Yuki Tsunoda has a clear objective from Red Bull team principal Christian Horner—stay as close as possible to Max Verstappen. The 24-year-old Japanese driver, who recently replaced Liam Lawson, is set for his first race alongside the four-time world champion at Suzuka.
Tsunoda was announced as Liam Lawson’s replacement last week after the New Zealander was dropped just two races into the season.
This weekend, he will partner Verstappen for the first time, competing in front of his home crowd at Suzuka. Red Bull, currently third in the constructors’ standings after two races, has tasked Tsunoda with finishing as near as possible to Verstappen to strengthen the team’s position.
Verstappen currently sits second in the drivers' championship, trailing McLaren’s Lando Norris by eight points.
"Tsunoda explained that Red Bull Racing’s main focus is securing a championship for Max. While the team has faced some challenges, Verstappen has proven his ability to be a world champion," he stated.
Tsunoda also shared that Horner expects him to match Verstappen’s pace as closely as possible. While he may play a strategic role in some races, Horner assured him that if he finds himself ahead of Verstappen in certain situations, he won’t necessarily be asked to give up his position.
Lawson, who had been promoted to Red Bull’s main team for the 2025 season, was reassigned to Racing Bulls after disappointing performances in the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix. The New Zealander struggled in Melbourne, qualifying 18th before crashing out of the race, and had a difficult weekend in China, qualifying last for both the sprint and the main event before finishing 14th and 12th, respectively.
Verstappen appeared to express disagreement with Lawson’s demotion by ‘liking’ an Instagram post from former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, who described the decision as a "panic move."
Tsunoda, who had been part of Red Bull’s second team since his F1 debut in 2021, revealed he has yet to speak to Verstappen since stepping into Lawson’s seat.
"I mentioned it a while ago, but he’s quite different in how he acts inside and outside the car," Tsunoda remarked. "I’m not too concerned about our relationship on or off the track. I know what I want to do, and I have a good idea of how he thinks and drives."
As he prepares for his home grand prix on Sunday, Tsunoda remains realistic about his expectations, stating that securing a top-10 finish would be a satisfying result.
"Of course, I’d love to say I’m aiming for points, a podium, or something bigger," he said. "But considering the challenge of adapting to a new car with limited sessions, it won’t be easy. For now, if I can score points and finish in the top 10, I’ll be happy."
Ship traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell to its lowest level in months on Sunday after Yemen's Houthi movement attacked Saudi oil facilities...
The Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly reshaping the Caspian region. From threats to energy infrastructure to renewed diplomatic efforts, countries ac...
A known Islamist suspected of driving a minivan into a crowd near a major LGBTQ Pride gathering in Berlin was shot dead during a police operation at a...
Iran will halt its own attacks as long as the United States maintains its pause on strikes, but Tehran remains sceptical of U.S. intentions, a senior Iranian source told on Sunday.
Ship traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell to its lowest level in months on Sunday after Yemen's Houthi movement attacked Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea coast, while vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz also remained subdued despite a pause in U.S.-Iran tensions.
A New York school district has put plans to introduce a humanoid robot into classrooms on hold after fierce criticism from teachers, Indigenous community members and state education officials over the use of artificial intelligence in schools.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on Saturday for Russia and Ukraine to freeze the conflict and return to peace talks, saying a negotiated settlement remained possible despite the entrenched positions of both sides.
A known Islamist suspected of driving a minivan into a crowd near a major LGBTQ Pride gathering in Berlin was shot dead during a police operation at an allotment garden complex, broadcaster RBB reported on Sunday.
A known Islamist suspected of driving a minivan into a crowd near a major LGBTQ Pride gathering in Berlin was shot dead during a police operation at an allotment garden complex, broadcaster RBB reported on Sunday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws introducing stricter financial requirements for foreign workers, as Moscow continues to tighten migration controls affecting millions of labour migrants, particularly from Central Asia.
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 3,200, including 1,405 deaths, according to government data released on Sunday, highlighting the scale of an outbreak that continues to challenge health authorities and aid agencies.
The 27 July edition of Daybreak covers a pause in fighting between the U.S. and Iran, the latest developments in Russia's war against Ukraine, and mass evacuations as wildfires continue to spread across France and Spain.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened an interministerial crisis meeting on 26 July as wildfires spread across southwest France, with flames advancing to within 15 kilometres of the city of Bordeaux.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment