Yuki Tsunoda will have one less thing on his mind when he lines up on the grid Sunday at his home race.
The 23-year-old Japanese driver's immediate future in Formula One is secure, with his AlphaTauri team confirming Saturday morning that he will be returning for the 2024 season, in a widely expected move. He'll be paired with veteran Daniel Ricciardo, an eight-time race winner.
“I’m so happy to announce that I will be staying with Scuderia AlphaTauri for the 2024 Formula 1 season,” Tsunoda said in a statement on the team's website. “I’m looking forward to continuing to fight and collaborate with the team and Daniel. Obviously, I’ll push as much as possible for the rest of the season and beyond, to progress as a driver. I’m grateful for Red Bull and Honda, for continuing to support and believe in me, and very happy and thankful to continue the partnership.”
It's been a promising year for Tsunoda despite his team's struggles. He's managed to score three of the Italian outfit's five points this season and is perhaps unlucky not to have more, with three 11th place finishes to his name.
The announcement was welcome news for the legions of motorsport fans at Suzuka Circuit this weekend, many of them sporting AlphaTauri gear.
“I’m honestly very happy. He’s a Japanese (driver) and also from Kanagawa Prefecture ... I hope he gets good results,” said Yuta Shimoyama from Kaiseimachi in Kanagawa.
As for this weekend, Shimoyama expects the hometown hero will at east this weekend.
"He no longer has to worry about next season, so I hope he races well and earns points.”
Christian Horner, team principal with Alpha Tauri's senior team Red Bull, told reporters Friday that he's pleased with Tsunoda's development.
“I think Yuki has made a step forward this year,” Horner said. “Speedwise, he’s certainly very competitive, and he’s sort of rounded that off with some strong race performances this year.”
Still, AlphaTauri and Red Bull have a logjam of talent, with New Zealander Liam Lawson impressing since taking over for an injured Ricciardo at the Dutch Grand Prix. Lawson will be the reserve driver for both Red Bull teams in 2023, focusing on testing and simulator work.
Horner gave him glowing reviews on Friday.
“I think he’s done an outstanding job,” Horner said. “Certainly he’s put himself firmly on the radar and cemented the feeling that we had about him.”
None of the three drivers will need a reminder of how ruthless the competition for seats can be in the pinnacle of motorsport. Tsunoda started the 2023 campaign paired with rookie Nyck de Vries, who lasted just 10 races before being replaced.
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