Is he simply a temporary solution, a stop-gap measure while Red Bull assesses the next promising talent from their well-stocked conveyor belt of young drivers? Or, could this be an audition of sorts for Ricciardo, an opportunity for him to showcase his prowess and prove that he’s more than capable of stepping into the shoes of Sergio Perez for either the F1 2024 or F1 2025 season?
Number 3. Yuki Tsunoda
The observations of Franz Tost, the departing team principal of AlphaTauri, regarding the necessity for a driver to spend three full seasons in Formula 1 to truly grasp the intricacies of the sport are proving to be remarkably accurate in the case of Yuki Tsunoda.
Tsunoda’s initial foray into Formula 1 was characterized by a rather turbulent and unfiltered introduction, marked by raw talent and colorful language. However, with time and experience, the young Japanese driver has undergone a transformation, evolving into a paragon of consistency. His journey has been closely monitored by the Red Bull Racing program, and Tsunoda has emerged as a dependable asset, someone they can count on.
Such has been his progress that Tsunoda is now setting his sights on an even loftier ambition – a potential promotion to the senior Red Bull Racing team. This audacious goal hinges on the expiration of Sergio Perez’s contract at the conclusion of the 2024 season, and Tsunoda’s growing maturity and consistency have certainly put him in contention.
At the very least, it appears that Tsunoda is poised to extend his tenure with AlphaTauri for another season, a testament to his evolution as a Formula 1 driver and the faith that both his current team and the Red Bull program have placed in him.
