Yuki Tsunoda claims he is happy to race alongside Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, racing for Alphatauri share a deep sense of respect for each other.

Yuki Tsunoda claims he is happy to race alongside Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda (Via SkySports/YouTube)

Alphatauri has now confirmed the racer lineup for the next season. The young man, Yuki Tsunoda, is set to race alongside the experienced racer, Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo had replaced Nyck De Vries after he failed to perform well for the team. Ricciardo crashed in a free practice session in Zandvoort, injuring his hand. Ricciardo had to sit out for the next five races.

Ricciardo is set to join the youngster again at the COTA GP. Tsunoda said that although they raced together for only two races, he had already learned things from him. The Australian talked about this recently.

YouTube video
We've only had two races together, but I have already learned things from him, especially in the area where I am a bit weaker.
Daniel Ricciardo as per motorsport.com

Tsunoda appreciated Ricciardo for his ‘calmness’ around the track and aspired to learn this attribute from him. He also added that the feedback given by Ricciardo matches Tsunoda’s mindset.

FS Video
The feedback and information he gives are similar to mine. So, I think we can work well together.

Why did Alphatauri deem Daniel Ricciardo the perfect fit for the team?

Ricciardo seemed to be seatless in 2023 and was set to be a reserve driver for Red Bull. Following the lackluster performance from De Vries, Daniel Ricciardo was immediately signed by the team to replace him mid-season. Despite the setback due to his injury, Ricciardo has been signed with the team for the next season.

BUDAPEST Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri), who replaces Dutch driver Nyck de Vries from this race onwards, does a seat fi
BUDAPEST – Daniel Ricciardo AlphaTauri (via IMAGO)

The Australian racer has been in the sport of Formula 1 for almost 12 years now. This evidently meant that Ricciardo shared a good piece of experience in contrast to his younger teammate, Tsunoda. Jonathan Eddolls says that the 34-year-old’s input has been hugely valuable to the team.

Ricciardo commented on the contract extension for next year. He claimed that he was ‘stoked’ to be continuing on the grid. Everyone at Alphatauri had been praising Ricciardo over his personality and experience, which is crucial to uplifting the Faenza-squad.

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