F1 Rumour: Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri Contract Extension To Be Announced This Week

It has been reported that AlphaTauri will be announcing Yuki Tsunoda's contract extension this week.

It has been reported by Auto Motor Und Sport that AlphaTauri is set to announce a contract extension for Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this week. 

There has been a huge amount of speculation about the Japanese driver's future with the Italian team, especially after reserve driver Liam Lawson's impressive performances since stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. 

According to the report from Auto Motor Und Sport:

"The door at AlphaTauri is also closed. To be more precise, it was never really open. The contract extension with Yuki Tsunoda for 2024 should already be announced in Suzuka." [Translated by Google]

The report also speculates who will take the second seat with Red Bull's sister team. Daniel Ricciardo was brought in to replace rookie Nyck de Vries after just ten races. 

However, the Australian was only able to enjoy two races before breaking his wrist during the second free practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson has stepped in for him since then and is expected to until the Qatar Grand Prix, putting in some fantastic performances including Singapore where he picked up two much-needed points for the team. 

The report goes on to state that despite Lawson's impressive performances, Ricciardo will be the one to secure the other seat. It continues:

"Red Bull is taking some time with the second driver. Despite Liam Lawson's good performances, Daniel Ricciardo has a better chance of getting the regular cockpit. After the hand injury, he just has to pick up where he left off before the summer break." [Translated by Google]

With the Japanese Grand Prix fast-approaching, all eyes will be on the AlphaTauri team for an official announcement.