What Happened to Yuki Tsunoda?
For those who follow Formula One, Yuki Tsunoda is a name that rings familiar.
This young Japanese driver burst onto the scene in 2021 with Scuderia AlphaTauri, marking himself as the first racer born in the 21st century to grace the F1 tracks.
His debut season showcased his remarkable speed and skills, but what’s the backstory on Yuki Tsunoda, and what’s been going on with him in 2023?
In the following article, we delve into his early career, personal life, accomplishments, challenges in F1, and future prospects.
Who is Yuki Tsunoda?
Tsunoda started karting professionally in 2010. He joined the JAF Junior Karting Championship in Japan.
In 2014, he moved up to the national class. He completed the Honda Suzuka Circuit Racing School in 2016. Joining Honda’s Formula Dream Project was a big accomplishment.
In 2016, he debuted in the F4 Japanese Championship. In 2018, he won the championship with seven wins.
He also joined the Red Bull Junior Team. In 2019, he competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship and finished ninth with one win and three podium finishes.
In 2020, with Carlin Motorsport, he had a great season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, finishing third. His speed and overtaking skills caught Red Bull and Honda’s attention, and he was chosen to replace Kvyat in AlphaTauri for the 2021 F1 season.
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Yuki Tsunoda’s Age
Born on May 11, 2000, in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, Tsunoda is currently 23 years old as of September 2023.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Net Worth
Sources estimate Tsunoda’s net worth to be approximately $1 million in 2023.
His primary income stream derives from his AlphaTauri F1 driver’s salary, supplemented by endorsements and sponsorships from renowned brands such as Red Bull, Honda, Casio, and Puma.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Family
Both of Tsunoda’s parents are Japanese residents.
His father, a former motorcycle racer, served as his inspiration to pursue motorsport, while his mother, a dedicated housewife, supports his endeavors from afar.
Tsunoda has expressed his parents’ immense pride in his achievements within the F1 world.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Salary
Reports indicate that Tsunoda’s salary for the 2021 F1 season stood at approximately $500,000, ranking among the lowest in the F1 grid due to his rookie status and lack of prior F1 experience.
However, his outstanding 2021 performance prompted AlphaTauri to extend his contract through the 2022 and 2023 seasons, elevating his annual earnings to approximately $2 million and placing him among the highest-paid drivers on the grid.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Journey in F1
Yuki Tsunoda made his F1 debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, amassing two points in his inaugural race.
He continued to impress, scoring points in 7 more races, with a notable 4th place finish at Azerbaijan and two podium finishes.
In 2023, Yuki clinched his maiden F1 victory at the Qatar Grand Prix but faced criticism for his aggressive driving style and technical glitches.
As of September 2023, he occupied 11th position in the drivers’ championship with 65 points.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Twitter
Tsunoda actively engages with social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where his follower count has exceeded 500,000 as of 2023.
He utilizes his Twitter account to share insights, emotions, and experiences related to his races, team, fans, and personal life.
Regular updates include photos and videos capturing moments of training, travel, gaming, and dining.
Tsunoda is renowned for his witty and candid tweets, which provide glimpses of his personality and sentiments.
He frequently interacts with fans and fellow drivers on the platform, engaging in humorous exchanges and offering compliments.
僕のオリジナルブランドを立ち上げました！🍁
素材にこだわり僕自身がデザインしたアイテムになっています！
ご購入はこちらから
🔗 https://t.co/ggYmhHLA9MCheck out my new merch🍁
Available now in Japan, with global shipping coming by year-end!
Don't miss out! pic.twitter.com/KUq2J2OeHj— 角田裕毅/Yuki Tsunoda (@yukitsunoda07) August 4, 2023
Yuki Tsunoda’s Height
Tsunoda stands out as one of the shorter drivers on the F1 grid, measuring in at 159 cm (5 ft 2 in) in height and weighing approximately 55 kg (121 lb).
These physical attributes confer both advantages and disadvantages in his driving endeavors.
On the positive side, a lower center of gravity and reduced aerodynamic drag can enhance his cornering and acceleration abilities.
Conversely, limited leverage and visibility may pose challenges during braking and overtaking maneuvers.
Yuki Tsunoda in 2023
As of September 2023, Tsunoda’s future in F1 remains uncertain.
He has yet to ink a contract extension with AlphaTauri for the 2024 season, amid swirling rumors of a potential replacement by another Red Bull junior driver, such as Jüri Vips or Liam Lawson.
Tsunoda has expressed his desire to continue with AlphaTauri and elevate his driving skills, recognizing the need to deliver improved performances and avoid errors in the remaining races of 2023.
Furthermore, Tsunoda has openly articulated his aspiration to eventually drive for Red Bull Racing, considering it his ultimate goal and dream team.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that he is not yet prepared to compete at the highest level against drivers like Verstappen and Hamilton, highlighting the necessity for more experience and self-assurance before pursuing such a transition.
He holds great respect and admiration for Gasly, his teammate and mentor, and aims to learn from his success.
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Conclusion
Yuki Tsunoda emerges as a young, gifted Japanese driver who has etched his name into F1 lore with his combination of speed, skills, and charisma.
His rookie season and subsequent campaigns have yielded noteworthy achievements, including debut points, a pole position, and a race victory.
Yet, his journey has not been without challenges, encompassing crashes, penalties, and technical woes.
Tsunoda exhibits immense potential and a deep passion for racing, though he must strive for greater consistency and maturity as a driver.
While his F1 future beyond 2023 remains uncertain, his expressed commitment to AlphaTauri and aspiration to join Red Bull Racing suggest that his story in the sport is far from over.
As one of the most captivating and promising drivers on the grid, he is sure to continue captivating and astonishing fans worldwide with his on-track performances.
