Yuki Tsunoda issues Red Bull Stern reminder amid RB20 test and Perez talks

Yuki Tsunoda Seeks to Prove His Worth Amid Red Bull Speculation and RB20 Test Opportunity

With the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, attention now shifts to the post-season Abu Dhabi test. For the first time, Yuki Tsunoda will take the wheel of a Red Bull Racing car, a golden opportunity to showcase his potential.

Amid ongoing discussions about Red Bull’s driver lineup, Tsunoda’s name has been notably absent, leaving him determined to demonstrate his readiness for a top-tier seat through his test performance.

    “I’ve Shown My Worth This Year,” Says Tsunoda

The 2024 season underscored the unpredictable nature of Red Bull’s driver program. Despite Max Verstappen’s dominant display in the Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull Racing only secured third in the Constructors’ standings, raising questions about Sergio Perez’s future. Meanwhile, the sister team, AlphaTauri (VCARB), replaced Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson mid-season, further highlighting the competitive stakes.

Through all this, Tsunoda has remained a constant. In his fourth year with the junior team and his second as a team anchor, the Japanese driver has stood firm amidst a revolving door of teammates, including Ricciardo, Lawson, and Nyck de Vries. However, despite his consistency, Tsunoda has struggled to insert himself into conversations about promotion to Red Bull Racing.

Tsunoda’s upcoming RB20 test was largely facilitated by Honda, his primary backer, and he sees this as a chance to prove his growth. Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, including *PlanetF1.com*, Tsunoda expressed optimism about the test and its potential impact.

“I’m looking forward to the test. I hope to provide feedback that Red Bull can use for future development,” Tsunoda said. Although he hasn’t received a detailed run plan, he believes he can leave a strong impression, even if his role isn’t purely performance-focused.

Reflecting on a Year of Growth

Tsunoda highlighted his progress in 2024, emphasizing his consistency and ability to extract maximum performance from his car compared to his teammates. “From the first race in Bahrain to now, I’ve consistently proven myself,” he stated.

Addressing his reputation for emotional outbursts over team radio, Tsunoda claimed significant improvement. “If you review my radio messages from the past 24 races, you’ll see a big difference. I’ve worked hard to stay calm and focus on what I can control,” he explained.

Although he acknowledged he’s not yet perfect, Tsunoda feels he’s made strides. “From the first race of 2024 to now, my mindset and approach have completely transformed. The pressure has been immense, but it’s made me stronger. I’ve improved more than any other driver this year.”

Aiming to Cement His Place

Tsunoda hopes the RB20 test will cap off a strong season and solidify his position within the Red Bull organization. Confident in his abilities, he concluded: “It’s up to Red Bull to decide, but it’s clear what I’ve achieved this year. I’m ready to prove my worth.”

Yuki Tsunoda will take part in the RB20 test in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.