Yuki Tsunoda opens up on the ‘vibe’ at Alpha Tauri amidst increasing pressure from Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda admits on having extra pressure to perform in 2023 after frustrations at Red Bull.

Yuki Tsunoda opens up on the ‘vibe’ at Alpha Tauri amidst increasing pressure from Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda joined Alpha Tauri in 2021. The Japanese driver was seen as a promising young talent in F1. However, things have not gone well for Tsunoda or Alpha Tauri. As the Red Bull sister team struggles at the back of the grid this season. Dr. Helmut Marko has made it clear that the Faenza-based team must improve its performance after a frustrating start in 2023.

Yet, Red Bull’s dissatisfaction did not affect Yuki Tsunoda when it comes to the ambiance of the team. He said, “I would say I like the vibe more now.” The 22-year-old mentioned that the team’s situation two years ago was positive as the team scored points regularly. he explained on the Beyond the Grid podcast: “Each year’s a little different. For example, in 2021, we had a good car, and everyone was always positive, talking about how we’re going to score points.”

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However, the struggles in 2022 have led to a more tense mood on the team. As Alpha Tauri fails to break into the midfield once again with more pressure from the parent company. Yuki Tsunoda continued, “But this year is a little bit different. I think we all have to admit that we are under pressure because last year we didn’t perform as we wanted, including me as well.”

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Yuki Tsunoda “enjoying’ the development of the Alpha Tauri AT04

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The Red Bull sister team has had an underwhelming start to 2023

The 22-year-old admitted over the worsening mood of Alpha Tauri in 2023. As Dr. Helmut Marko demands better results. He said, “I think we have a bit of extra pressure to achieve a better performance than last year. Although Yuki Tsunoda assured fans that things were going in the right direction despite the larger workload. He stated, “We’re all in the same direction and on the same page, we’re aiming for the same things. I feel we’re working more as one than the last two years.”

The Japanese driver did not hide the team’s woes in getting the most out of the car. However, Yuki Tsunoda has been working alongside teammate Nyck de Vries to help the team improve the Alpha Tauri AT04 over the course of this season. He concluded, “We’re struggling now but we’re always being positive and trying to extract performance from the car as much as possible. I’m enjoying how we can develop the car so it’s good.”

Thus, Yuki Tsunoda has not let the pressure get to him. The 22-year-old is convinced that Alpha Tauri can work its way back up the pecking order this season. Decent results are necessary for the Italian team to keep the higher-ups at Red Bull happy. Although it remains to be seen if these vibes enjoyed by Tsunoda translate into on-track performances this season.

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