Yuki Tsunoda Is Steering AlphaTauri in the Right Direction

He has been a source of consistency for the team, which has had to use a rotation of drivers alongside the 23-year-old.

Yuki Tsunoda certainly made an impact when he joined the Formula One grid in 2021. Scoring points in his debut, the AlphaTauri driver has continued to show some incredible potential and speed during his three seasons in the championship. Born in Japan, the 23-year-old is not short of passion, whether that’s for racing, his expletive-filled radio messages or food.

The 2023 season of F1 is almost at a close, with races left in Las Vegas (this weekend) and Abu Dhabi. Signing another contract for 2024 with the team, which is part of the Red Bull Racing family, Tsunoda has had a rather unusual season. It’s fair to say his points tally doesn’t reflect how strong of a year he’s had, especially since he’s had three(!) different teammates next to him. AlphaTauri has scored points in three straight races heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, giving Tsunoda and his team plenty of momentum to close out the season.

Sitting down with Sports Illustrated, Tsunoda discusses that unusual rotation of teammates, his move to Italy and more.

Tsunoda is wrapping up his third season in Formula One.  / Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

Sports Illustrated: Hi, Yuki. How have you been finding the 2023 season so far?

Yuki Tsunoda: I’m pretty happy with it. I think, especially, first up, I was able to show a good step compared to last year, which is what I wanted to do and also show my value more as a driver and how good I am. In general, in terms of performance, I would say the car is not really easy to be in the top 10, but I’m able to finish around that and it feels like I’m able to maximize my performance extracting the car performance as well, which is the most important.

SI: How have you found that step up? Your old teammate and friend Pierre Gasly left the team to race for Alpine in 2023, meaning you’ve had to take on more responsibility to push AlphaTauri in the right direction.

YT: I liked it. I feel to become a better driver, at some point you need leadership. So it's good learning and good training. Obviously, I started and experienced what Pierre was actually doing in the team. I tried at first to copy, but also give feedback as much as possible more specifically to the team, not just about the car and those kinds of things. I tried to change our approach a bit last year, and I think also some of the team recognized it. From both sides, we will learn from each other and give our opinion on how we can improve each other. It’s a really good environment, and so far I think we’re happy with what I’ve done and also able to achieve. There are lots of places still to improve, but I’m happy so far.

SI: You’ve had three different teammates this season. First was Nyck de Vries, who was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. After Ricciardo sustained an injury during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, the team drafted in reserve driver Liam Lawson. He was a rookie to F1. How did you find him as a teammate?

YT: Every driver is different. Nyck was different. Liam did a good job. We have been good friends for a long time, anyway. We drove the same team in the past and fought in the same category.

Daniel is different. He's really experienced. The way he can behave in a team and his approach to the car means there are lots of things I can learn. Actually, the one I want to improve now, the most kind of things that are my weakness, he is really good at. He’s a good reference, and at same time he’s funny so it’s a good environment in the team. I think it’s really bright. We can work well together.

SI: How have you found balancing that consistency, having Nyck, then Liam and now Daniel? Is it difficult getting different feedback from different drivers because as you say they will talk about things in a way unique to them.

YT: No, what most drivers feel in a car, like the limitations, are fairly similar. When you hit the limit of the car, it always behaves quite similar, anyway, which is good. I think to be honest, I just have to focus on my performance. I just focused on myself.

Tsunoda, who has raced with AlphaTauri his entire F1 career, has taken on more of a leadership role this year.  / Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool

SI: You made the move from the U.K. over to Italy when you joined AlphaTauri. How was that transition? You’ve mentioned before you weren't a fan of the U.K. weather or some of its food.

YT: Yeah, and also the place I lived in the U.K. was probably not ideal. On top of it, it was during quarantine so I didn’t go to the restaurants much, and most of the time was ordering something from Uber Eats, which was more like fast food. Recently, I started changing my mind a little bit about the U.K. I enjoyed London, and it’s more international, but Italy suited me more. Anyway, the weather is much more consistent for me, and actually after I moved to Italy, the amount of sun I can feel there is really good. For food, actually Japan and Italy are probably similar. In Japan there’s a lot of Italian restaurants also.

SI: How have you been spending your downtime this season?

YT: Now I like going to saunas to reset myself. I like how you feel, just in a different world. Other than that, I recently like to go outside, more than playing video games. I am still doing it sometimes to keep in touch with Japanese friends.