Ex-F1 driver labels Yuki Tsunoda ‘underrated’ amidst impressive 2024 run

Yuki Tsunoda has been the lead VCARB driver this year. The Japanese is leading the intra-team battle in both qualifying and races against the much-experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. This has earned Tsunoda well-deserved praise and amidst all this, former F1 driver Christijan Albers has also commented on his performances.

Yuki Tsunoda began the year with the aim of portraying himself as the leader of the sister Red Bull outfit. Moreover, this mission seems to have been accomplished as he has been having the best of Daniel Ricciardo lately and he even managed to bag a point at his home race, which earned him praise from Helmut Marko.

However, Christijan Albers stated the reason why Tsunoda is still underrated among fans and team principals.

I think he’s[Yuki Tsunoda] a bit underrated. If you look at him and analyze him, you realize that his performances are truly fantastic. All it lacks is a certain hype and a certain trend. When Max[Verstappen] arrived as a young man it was written everywhere: ‘Max is amazing’, but that’s not the case with Tsunoda.

Christijan Albers said in an interview with Viaplay

The Dutchman explained that the 23-year-old has been showcasing tremendous pace recently. However, the only reason Tsunoda’s efforts remain unnoticed is that he has no headlines and trends against his name currently.

Christijan Albers finds it baffling that Sergio Perez has not been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda yet

While Albers has applauded Tsunoda on his 2024 exploits, on the other hand, the battle at Red Bull has been one-sided for the past few years. Sergio Perez vowed to battle Verstappen through the course of this year but has, so far, been finishing an embarrassing 20 or more seconds behind his teammate. This disparity between the the duo has raised discussions regarding the Mexican’s job security, and whether Tsunoda could secure a place at the Austrian giant.

The 44-year-old expressed his confusion regarding why Red Bull has still not decided to give a shot to Tsunoda on the senior team.

I don't understand why they haven't already traded him for [Sergio]Perez. I find it truly incredible that Tsunoda doesn't appear to be under consideration for a seat at Red Bull.

Christijan Albers said in the same interview

Tsunoda has been competing at the pinnacle of motor racing since 2021. After a few disappointing seasons, he has finally got his act together, and thus, has been putting in consistent performances this year. He is also a potential future target for the Aston Martin F1 team.

In case you missed it:

• Toto Wolff claims Mercedes will not ‘abandon’ 2025 car to capitalize on 2026 rule change
• Ex-F1 driver urges Mercedes to ‘look at’ Carlos Sainz and young starlet Oliver Bearman for 2025 seat

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