Scuderia AlphaTauri has announced that Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the team for the 2023 season, following his first successful two years in Formula One.
The Japanese driver – who already has 38 F1 race weekends under his belt – had an accelerated path to the Championship.
He rose quickly through the lower formulas and, during his rookie season in F1, proved that he was a force to be reckoned with; finishing the final race of 2021 with a top-four finish.
After a move to the outfit’s hometown of Faenza, Italy, Tsunoda is now fully immersed in the team, continuing to work hard every day, step by step, both on and off the track.
Tsunoda commented: “I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1.
Having moved to Italy last year to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023.
Of course, our 2022 season isn’t over yet and we’re still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year.”
Franz Tost, team principal, added: “As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season.
The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022.
As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula One, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential.
In addition, it’s a testament to Dr [Helmut] Marko and his driver programme that we’re able to bring these young talents up from the junior categories and develop them.
I’d like to join Yuki in thanking Red Bull, AlphaTauri as well as Honda, for their continuous support and for allowing him to stay with us for another year.”