7 facts you didn’t know about Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda is one of the interesting drivers on the grid. The Japanese driver has caught the attention of fans and teams alike with his impressive performances on the track. While many F1 fans may be familiar with Tsunoda’s on-track display and trademark radio messages, some interesting facts about him are lesser known. 

From his early days in racing to his personal life, several aspects of the Alpha Tauri driver’s story are quite unique. Delve into seven things you may not have known about Yuki Tsunoda, shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of the life and career of the shortest F1 driver on the grid. 

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Here are seven interesting facts about Yuki Tsunoda

7. Yuki Tsunoda started his career much later than other F1 drivers

Yuki Tsunoda started his racing journey at the tender age of ten. This is significantly later than some of his F1 counterparts like Verstappen and Leclerc, who took to karting at four and eight years old, respectively. With the support of his Japanese father, Nobuaki Tsunoda, Yuki quickly developed a passion for the sport.

He began his karting career in 2010 and progressed rapidly, competing in the JAF Junior Carting Championship the same year. With impressive skill and determination, he went on to compete regionally in 2013 and nationally in 2014, carving a path to his dream of racing in Formula One.

6. Yuki Tsunoda’s father is the driving force behind his motorsport career

The driving force behind Yuki’s love for racing is none other than his father, who might not have had an extensive racing background like other F1 drivers’ fathers, but was a participant in the Jim Khana Competition – a popular provincial Japanese race that drew enormous crowds from across the town. Yuki was his father’s constant companion during these events, and watching his dad race sparked a deep passion for the sport in him at a young age.

These early races instilled a fervent enthusiasm for racing in Yuki’s heart, and his father’s unwavering support and encouragement helped him grow and develop his skills as a driver. His dad made it a point to attend nearly every karting event during his childhood and was also his mechanic, providing a solid foundation for Yuki’s eventual career in F1. Yuki’s father played a crucial role in shaping his son’s love for racing and setting him on a path to greatness.

5. Honda backs Yuki Tsunoda

It’s no secret that Honda has a special place in their heart for Japanese drivers, and Yuki Tsunoda is no exception. Honda has been a major sponsor and supporter of Yuki since his early days, backing him throughout his F1 career. They’ve held numerous racing events around Japan to assist in grooming Suno as Japan’s future pride.

Yuki’s talent and potential were recognized early on. He graduated from Honda’s Suzuka Circuit Racing School in 2016, immediately earning a promotion to the Honda Formula Dream Project – Honda’s long-term strategy to return to racing and re-establish itself as a prominent name in the industry.

4. Yuki Tsunoda won the regional championship in the F4 series

After graduating from the Honda School, Yuki Tsunoda made his mark in the highly competitive world of racing, competing in Japan’s F4 championship. He showed immense promise and speed, placing third in the national Formula Four Championship and winning the regional championship.

With the unwavering support of Honda, Yuki won seven races that year, proving that he was a force to be reckoned with on the racing circuit. It was clear that Yuki’s talent and dedication to the sport were evident even at a young age, and Honda’s support helped him grow and hone his skills as a driver.

3. Yuki Tsunoda moved to the F2 class with Carlin

Carlin is a well-known brand in the sport, and the fact that they’ve opted to convert to Honda powertrains in 2020 suggests that they may also fit a driver of Japanese descent. Carlin Racing has opted to have Tsunoda in their seat for the 2020 season, so the hint seemed timely. 

What makes this fact all the more intriguing is the list of distinguished Formula One drivers who have previously raced for Carlin Racing, including Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, and Lando Norris. Judging by this impressive track record, it’s evident that Yuki has a promising future in Formula One.

After an impressive start to his Formula Two career, Yuki finished third in the championship standings, with three wins, four pole positions, and seven podium finishes. He rivaled against the seven-time champion, Michael Scuhmacher’s son Mick Schumacher.

This achievement earned him a transfer to Alphatauri (previously Toro Rosso) for the 2021 F1 season, marking another milestone in his racing career. Before Formula Two, Yuki honed his skills in Formula Three and Euro Formula, all while being sponsored by Honda.

2. Yuki had to go to therapy to help with the cussing 

Yuki Tsunoda is a jovial and enthusiastic person, but when things don’t go his way, he tends to express his frustration through colorful language. This habit led him to seek therapy to manage his emotions and negativity during races better. Yuki’s commitment to bettering himself demonstrates the level of maturity needed to succeed in motorsports, where composure and discipline are critical.

Yuki is just like any other teenager in many ways. He enjoys sleeping and playing video games and, like most young people, tends to leave his room a bit untidy. Despite competing at the highest level of motorsports, he is a relatable figure that many people can connect with.

1. Yuki Tsunoda was mentored by Alex Albon in 2021

The F1 universe was thrown into disarray when the news broke that Yuki Tsunoda would be replaced by Alex Albon in the 2021 season following the latter’s exit from Red Bull. Although Albon is renowned for his kind-hearted nature and willingness to lend a hand, it was unexpected that he would help the very person who took his place. However, in true sportsmanship, Albon assisted Tsunoda in comprehending the intricacies of the vehicle, enabling the rookie to understand its mechanisms better. 

This newfound understanding was evident in Tsunoda’s remarkable progress in the latter half of the season, which served as a precursor to his rise in the 2022 season, where he matched his teammate, Pierre Gasly, throughout the season is now leading his team following the Frenchman’s departure. 

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