Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda has admitted to he was forced to make a massive change ahead of his massive move to Red Bull.
After a brief one week break, the 2025 F1 season resumes this weekend at the Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Ahead of the race, Red Bull confirmed the shocking news that former Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda would be promoted for his home race, replacing ex-teammate Liam Lawson after just two races.
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And Tsunoda has now admitted that he was forced to make a massive change ahead of the biggest move of his career.
During the 2024 season opener in Bahrain, the Japanese driver was involved in an on-track altercation with teammate Daniel Ricciardo after team orders told Tsunoda to let the Australian driver overtake him.
Reacting furiously, Tsunoda decided to divebomb his teammate before swerving erratically and sarcastically saying: “Yeah thanks guys. I appreciate it.”
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But in an interview with The Independent, the 24-year-old explained that this incident made him realise that he needed to cut out these fiery blow-ups if he wanted his career to progress.
“I never felt controlling my emotions was the key to my success, it was just my natural character,” Tsunoda said while admitting his behaviour was holding him back.
“My mindset would be to take my stress out on the track and then focus afterwards. These days, F1 is more political and has more sponsors. You need to find a balance. You don’t want a driver shouting emotions… the team wants to hear specific feedback.
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“I had to change my approach for the future, after what happened with Daniel in Bahrain last year. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sticking around in F1. It’s the one area I’ve worked really hard at – and it’s helped change my mindset and be more serious.”
All eyes will be on Tsunoda this weekend as he finally gets the opportunity to show off his talents in the Red Bull after four seasons driving for the junior team Racing Bulls.
With Lawson's performances for Red Bull in the opening two races of the season making it clear that the car is far from what we would typically expect from Red Bull, the pressure will be on Tsunoda to help bring the team back into contention for the constructors title.
Topics: Red Bull Racing, Motorsport, Daniel Ricciardo, Formula 1
Ben McCrum