Yuki Tsunoda is still one of the fresher names on the grid, and there is still a lot to learn about the Japanese driver. Currently, in the seat of the Racing Bull, he has been getting closer to the Red Bull promotion. In an attempt to learn more about the driver, Formula 1 interviewed him before the Japanese Grand Prix. That’s where some interesting details were revealed about Tsunoda.

The interview consisted of some off-track questions to get to know the driver personally. Questions about himself, his love for the sport, and his friends outside the paddocks were asked. After this, a question even made him reveal his driving idol, which caught the world by surprise.

Yuki Tsunoda, the James Hunt fan

When the interviewer asked the Racing Bulls driver, “Which three F1 personalities past or present would you invite to a dinner party and why?” Tsunoda gave just one answer. He said, “The past… I don’t know much about drivers in the past, like history.” He wondered, “Who was in the Rush movie?”  And when the answer came upon him he exclaimed, “James Hunt? James Hunt!”

Rush has been a great way for many fans to get into the world of Formula 1. The movie has inspired many drivers as it showcases the story of the legendary James Hunt, who won the Formula One World Championship in 1976. Unfortunately, there is yet to be a Japanese world champion, and hence Hunt’s story was the one that motivated Yuki Tsunoda to drive.

Oddly, though, he never ended up mentioning the names of two other drivers whom he would like to invite to the dinner. But a one-on-one conversation with James Hunt does not sound like a bad idea either. Yuki Tsunoda has a different approach to the sport. This might also come off as puzzling for many, but when asked about his love for F1, the Japanese driver’s answer has left the world in shock.

He is not fully in love with Formula One

The question was pretty straightforward, “What made you fall in love with F1?” But Yuki Tsunoda’s answer has left many scratching their heads. “I’m not sure I’ve fully fallen in love with F1 yet to be honest! I love to drive. I mean, that’s F1, right? I guess, okay, speed. Beautiful hospitality, lovely atmosphere. I think also I like the team, I like the fact it’s also a kind of teamwork as well. It’s how it looks an individual sport but it’s actually teamwork,” Tsunoda answered.

It is surprising to hear an F1 driver straight out say that they have not fully fallen in love with the sport. Especially because you need to be among the top 20 quickest drivers to be on the grid. There is no doubt that Yuki Tsunoda is exceptionally talented and is still in his early years of racing, but he has yet to get his first podium. He is currently in Racing Bulls waiting to get into Red Bull, but without the complete drive and absolute love for Formula One, the question is, will he get that far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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