Yuki Tsunoda Reportedly Lowest Paid Driver On 2021 F1 Grid

Yuki Tsunoda is one of the rookies on the current Formula One grid. Being one of the youngest drivers on the grid, he doesn’t receive the same amount of a paycheck that his colleagues do.

The highest-paid driver on the grid is, without a doubt, Lewis Hamilton who earns an estimate of $30 million a year. In stark contrast, the Japanese rookie is estimated to earn around half a million a year according to a report by RaceFans.

Is Yuki Tsunoda being undervalued at Red Bull’s sister team, Alpha Tauri?

In Formula 2, the young Japanese driver finished third in the championship while Schumacher Jr. took home the title. Tsunoda was awarded driver of the year as well, but doesn’t seem to get the monetary benefits from the team for having such incredible talent.

His French teammate, Pierre Gasly, pockets around $5 million a year. In his debut race for the team, Tsunoda came home ninth and brought home 2 points for the team. Meanwhile, Gasly didn’t see the chequered flag as he had to retire from the Grand Prix.

Tsunoda states passing Alonso was an emotional moment

In the post-race interview with Sky Sports, Tsunoda said, “Overtaking a lot of cars was a really positive thing. I got a bit emotional when I passed Fernando (Alonso). Last time I saw him I think it was 12 years ago, or 13 years ago and I was seven or eight years old.Into Turn One, I just trusted Fernando’s skills and just launched it like a rookie!

“I feel a bit sorry, actually it was really from quite far away! So that was emotional. Of course, it’s not the same car, but it was great. I was of course aiming for Fernando and I drove with him a couple of laps and I learned from him how he managed the tyres, how he drives every corner.”

“After I passed him I tried to copy how he was driving and a couple of corners was better for my car as well,” Tsunoda concluded.

The next round of the championship takes us to Imola for the Italian Grand Prix. Can the AlphaTauri rookie outshine his teammate Gasly again, or will Pierre surprise the young Japanese driver around the track? We can only wait to find out our answers.

Also Read: ‘Not Going to Burn Him’ – Red Bull Advisor Refuses Early Promotion of Yuki Tsunoda