F1 News: AlphaTauri Confirms Yuki Tsunoda Contract Extension
AlphaTauri has announced that Yuki Tsunoda has signed a contract extension until the end of the 2024 season.
There has been a huge amount of speculation over the Japanese driver's contract with AlphaTauri, especially after Daniel Ricciardo was brought in to replace rookie Nyck de Vries and then later, Liam Lawson was brought in to stand in for Ricciardo when he broke his wrist.
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Until now, AlphaTauri had not confirmed either seat for the 2024 season but with the confirmation of Tsunoda the team has also confirmed that Ricciardo will drive alongside him and Liam Lawson will remain as the reserve driver.
Tsunoda has driven with AlphaTauri since his rookie season in 2021 and has even moved to Italy to be closer to the Faenza-based team. Commenting on the contract extension in a press release from the team, Tsunoda explained:
"I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season.
"I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel. Obviously, I’ll push as much as possible for the rest of the season and beyond, to progress as a driver. I’m grateful for Red Bull and Honda, for continuing to support and believe in me, and very happy and thankful to continue the partnership."
Team principal Franz Tost, who is heading into retirement at the end of this season, also commented:
“Next year, the technical regulations remain largely unchanged, and it was therefore logical to go for continuity in our driver line-up too. I am very pleased with the development that Yuki has shown over the last two and a half years with our team and with Daniel’s great race-winning experience we will have one of the most competitive driver pairings on the grid in 2024.
"Peter (Bayer) and Laurent (Mekies) will have a great duo to start the new season in the right direction. As for Liam, who has impressed everyone in his races so far, he will definitely help the team in his development role as a third driver, and I’m sure he will have a future in Formula One soon."
AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer explained:
"We are in a privileged position, where we have access to multiple great talents from the Red Bull world. This is a credit to the work that Dr. Marko has been doing for many years. Both Daniel and Yuki have not just shown fantastic race craft but are also great global ambassadors for our team and our sport. Liam put himself in the spotlight of F1 in only three races and I am very happy that we can continue to prepare him for his future."
