After more than four seasons with Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda is making his debut with Red Bull this weekend. Liam Lawson was sacrificed after just two races with the main team. Tsunoda is the latest driver to measure himself against Max Verstappen. In the run-up to the GP of Japan, he revealed that he has received useful tips from several former Red Bull drivers.
During the official FIA press conference prior to the GP of Japan, Tsunoda stated that he experiences a lot of support from the Red Bull family. Both current and former team members are giving him advice. After all, quite a few drivers have had the opportunity in the second Red Bull over the past years – so there are plenty of experts. Ex-teammate Pierre Gasly already warned him about possible pitfalls.
“I received a message from Pierre that he wanted to call me about his experience at Red Bull,” Tsunoda explained. “He told me what he should have done differently and wanted to share a few ideas that might come in handy in the upcoming races. That was very kind of him. His tips were very useful.” Gasly was promoted to Red Bull in 2019 after his first season with the then Toro Rosso. However, after just twelve races, he was replaced by Alex Albon.”
Encouraging Messages
Sergio Pérez, who was sidelined by the Austrian racing team last year, also wanted to help Tsunoda. “Checo has also approached me. In fact, I’ve heard from almost all the drivers within the Red Bull family. They were very encouraging messages, they have supported me enormously. I appreciate that very much, especially because they are drivers I have a lot of respect for. I’m really happy about that.”
Not much later, Pierre Gasly joined the same press conference. About his conversation with Tsunoda prior to the race weekend, he said the following: “We spoke on the phone, of course also about my promotion to Red Bull at the time. I explained to him what didn’t work then and what I could have done differently. He (Tsunoda) has the experience and the speed. I’ve raced alongside him for two years and seen his pure speed. He has a strong character, but that doesn’t automatically mean it will be a success story. I just wish him and Liam (Lawson) the best.”
