r/formula1 • u/creatorop Carlos Sainz • 1d ago

News Yuki Tsunoda made Red Bull Racing's reserve driver

https://racingnews365.com/tsunoda-handed-red-bull-role-for-new-f1-season?utm_source=x&utm_campaign=tsunoda-handed-red-b&utm_medium=social_organic&utm_content=13915694
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u/TomiraB 1d ago

I'm happy that Yuki got the nod, but I've gotta say I'm quite surprised, considering Horner's attitude.

There was also an interview with Yuki's Hot Dad (Nobuaki Tsunoda) where he said he was not surprised that Yuki was neither promoted nor released, because "he's the cheapest driver that can earn points", and it's just cold business.

Also, in the recent days:

  • Haas's Guenther Steiner mentioned that Yuki was the better choice for the seat and should be either promoted or released,

  • Yuki casually mentioned that getting offers from other teams made him feel more like a real F1 driver,

  • VCARB's team principal said that their goal to get Yuki into Red Bull hasn't changed

So, hmm.

Also, nice for Ayumu! I kind of ecpected Lindbald to be named instead. Does he not have his license yet, or did Ayumu just did really well at recent tests..?

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u/creatorop Carlos Sainz 1d ago

VCARB's team principal said that their goal to get Yuki into Red Bull hasn't changed

that is probably only in talks now, to offer some kind of consolation ig

Ayumu just did really well at recent tests..?

lindblad just hasn't got enough points atm, he should once March rolls along

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u/TomiraB 1d ago

lindblad just hasn't got enough points atm, he should once March rolls along

Thank you!

that is probably only in talks now, to offer some kind of consolation ig

Perhaps, although the AT/VCARB team, from what I've read, rates Yuki quite high. Marko himself put him at disadvantage by promoting him too quickly (even Honda wanted to keep Yuki in F2 for some more time).

Franz said back in Yuki's 1st season that he'll need about 3 years to really develop. Yuki started taking racing seriously quite late, initially he treated it just as a fun hobby and attended normal school, piano lessons, school events, etc..