A LOOK INTO YUKI TSUNODA'S DEVELOPMENT AS AN F1 DRIVER
Yuki Tsunoda has performed admirably during the first three races of the Formula 1 season.
The Japanese driver has outperformed his more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, who has been the subject of plenty of conversation this season as he looks for a return to Red Bull.
The opening three rounds in 2024 have summed up Tsunoda's aura as a driver, blisteringly fast with the potential for petulance and stepping over the limit.
A drive to 14th place at the kick-off in Bahrain was marred by nearly colliding with his teammate Ricciardo on the slowing-down lap after the race. He showed immaturity after he was unhappy about a team order.
The Australian said: "We know what he's like; he's obviously during the moment he's very...that's Yuki.
“But I think once we get back to the room, he'll be completely fine.“I'm OK; of course, again, I'm thinking long-term."
This incident showed a lack of maturity, which is certainly not the quality that Red Bull and other top teams will be looking for.
The Australian Grand Prix showcased the 23-year-olds raw speed and qualities that took him from Japanese F4 to Formula 1 in just three years.
Tsunoda delivered a superb performance in qualifying and started eighth on the grid, securing a top-10 position for the second consecutive event.
By contrast, teammate Ricciardo floundered at his home race, failing to clear the bar in Q1 after having a lap time deleted and started the race in 18th place.
Tsunoda was parachuted into the Italian team in 2021, then known as AlphaTauri, alongside Gasly.
He was a raw talent, scoring points on his debut in Bahrain, but he struggled to find ultimate speed. In his first year, he lost the qualifying head-to-head with his teammate 21-1.
The Japanese driver has improved over his F1 stint but remains an unlikely candidate for a top team such as Red Bull.
Instead, the Austrian team is reportedly looking at double-world champions Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz among others, who are yet to find a drive for next season.
His strong start to the season is a step in the right direction, but the RB driver is yet to get the better of his teammate over a season. A multitude of basic errors have marred Tsunoda's strong performances in F1.
The Japanese driver has work to do to be considered among the best in Formula 1, but beating Ricciardo this year will help his case.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr. Helmut Marko said Tsunoda needs to develop further to be considered for a drive at Red Bull.
"As we say, one swallow does not make a summer," Marko said. "So, he has to improve more before being considered in this direction."
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