Yuki Tsunoda Gives Heartfelt Tribute to F1 Godfather, Eyeing Fantastic Win as Parting Gift

Many drivers in a Las Vegas GP interview advised that they’d be picking Yuki Tsunoda from the current F1 lineup if they had to take a driver to a club. While there are many crazy party stories around Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver isn’t all about parties and aggressive radio. Tsunoda recently gave a heartfelt tribute to his F1 Godfather and has planned a special gift for him. Spoiler alert: It’s not a huge party. 

Franz Tost announced earlier this year that he’ll be leaving AlphaTauri at the end of the 2023 F1 season and stepping away from F1. The Austrian Team Principal has been with AlphaTauri since the beginning of the team when it was called Toro Rosso. It makes the heart heavy to see a legend like him leave the sport. Nonetheless, Yuki Tsunoda had a special message for his F1 Boss. 

Yuki Tsunoda said, “Franz Tost has been the only F1 team boss I’ve worked with. I feel I’ve been fighting for him this year, and I really want to beat Williams for him in his last race as team principal. I appreciate what he has done. Without him, I wouldn’t be racing here, and without his advice, I wouldn’t have made as much progress as I have. Hopefully, we can finish on a good note, end the season the way we want, and be able to put a smile on his face.”

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AlphaTauri is close with Williams in the fight for P7 in Constructors only 7 points away. Getting that would be a great end to the season and as big a race win for the team. While Yuki Tsunoda has spoken a great deal about Tost, the AlphaTauri manager hasn’t been shy to praise the Japanese driver as well. 

Frans Tost advised that Yuki Tsunoda is on the right path for a Red Bull seat

Yuki Tsunoda joined AlphaTauri in 2021 as a Rookie and replaced former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat. While Tsunoda has had skilled drivers like Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo as his teammates, he’s proved his mettle. Idolising Fernando Alonso, the aggression can be seen in Tsunoda’s driving and radio. However, AlphaTauri’s car has been amongst the slowest this year and hence the Japanese hasn’t been in points regularly.

Frans Tost explained how their car isn’t competitive this year. Nonetheless, he did advise that Yuki Tsunoda is a top team driver. According to Formu1a.uno, Tost said, “It’s not his fault we aren’t competitive yet. As far as I know, Sergio Perez still has a contract for next year. All I can say is that Yuki is on the right track. He has improved in every aspect. But I think he should drive for AlphaTauri again in 2024. In 2025, I think he will finally be ready for Red Bull.”

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Tost may be leaving the Faenza team, but he has made some invaluable contributions to Tsunoda’s development in F1. Do you think Tost’s views on the Japanese driver being ready for Red Bull soon are correct?