Yuki Tsunoda shares Red Bull’s expectations of him ahead of debut as he assesses chances of home podium

Yuki Tsunoda has given an insight into the expectations that Red Bull have set out for him ahead of his debut for the team at the Japanese Grand Prix, with the 24-year-old also revealing whether he is hoping for a podium result in front of his home crowd.

After entering into his fifth season for the Racing Bulls outfit at the start of the year, it was confirmed in the days after the second race on the calendar in China that Tsunoda would be promoted to the main squad from Suzuka onwards as Max Verstappen’s new team mate, replacing Liam Lawson who returns to the sister team following a tough opening two races.

Asked for his feelings about the weekend ahead during media day on Thursday, Tsunoda responded: “I’m really looking forward to it. It can’t be crazier than this [with] this situation, first race in Red Bull Racing but also on top of it at [my] home Grand Prix. I think [it’s the] best situation ever. I’m just excited.”

And when pushed on when he found out that he would be joining Red Bull for his home race, the Japanese driver continued: “I can’t say specific details. The first call I got was from Christian [Horner] after China, [to] maybe be prepared for things to change a little bit, a bit of a reminder, I guess around Tuesday or Monday.

TOKYO, JAPAN - APRIL 02: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive during — Tsunoda is preparing to make his Red Bull debut in front of his home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix

“I was in the UK for preparations for Suzuka with VCARB [Racing Bulls], and plans changed. Immediately I [did] a simulator session with Red Bull Racing, I think at that point it was just in case, and within [the] two or three days I was spending in the UK, he confirmed in person. I can’t say when specifically, but that was the kind of timeline.”

While Red Bull moved quickly to make a change following Lawson’s struggles, Tsunoda stated that team boss Horner has not given him a specific timeline in terms of how the long the squad will give him to prove himself – and also insisted that he is not feeling the pressure.

“I didn’t get any specific races or the time I have to prove [myself],” Tsunoda explained. “He’s been so far very supportive and he just mentioned expectations to me on what he wants me to achieve. Pressure will always come once you hit the track, [but] for now [it feels] really relaxing.

“[It] feels actually similar to when I was in VCARB. Once I entered the hospitality, I was only thinking about breakfast! I don’t so far necessarily feel pressure. I think those things will naturally come – it’s a home Grand Prix, and Qualifying I’m sure is going to be hectic.

“There’s not much point to feel pressure. I’m feeling confident and I hope I can do it a bit different [compared to] other drivers.”

In terms of what those expectations are that Horner set out for him, Tsunoda added: “Basically be [as] close to Max as possible, which anyway gives a good result for the team [and] also allows the team to support as a strategy as well in the race.

Liam Lawson replaced by Yuki Tsunoda

“They clearly said the main priority is Max, which I completely understand because he’s a four-time World Champion, and so far already [during] the last few races, even in the car’s difficult situation, he’s still performed well.

“[The expectation is] to be close as much as possible to Max, also help the development as well with my feedback – [they] seem very happy with my feedback I gave in Abu Dhabi [during the post-season test], so just continue that. But I think for now the main priority is to be closest to [Max], which won’t be easy, for sure.”

Tsunoda’s best finish in Formula 1 to date is a P4 – and while achieving his first podium on his debut for the team at home would be a “dream” result, the new Red Bull driver admitted that this is not necessarily the target.

“That would be great, in the first race, home Grand Prix – that’s obviously inside of my head,” he said of the possibility of standing on the rostrum at Suzuka.

“That’s what I’m dreaming for rather than a target, to be honest – it will be tough. I’m expecting it to be challenging, it won’t be easy. It’s such a limited time to adapt, but I’ll do my best. If I get through Q3 and score points, I’m happy.”