In a major boost for the Red Bull racing programme, Yuki Tsunoda has secured his future with the team in a move that team principal Laurent Mekies describes as recognising the Japanese driver's transformation into a "massive asset."
From Promising Talent to Established Performer
The 24-year-old driver's contract extension comes after a standout season where Tsunoda has consistently outperformed expectations, emerging as one of Formula 1's most improved drivers. His development trajectory has impressed the entire Red Bull hierarchy, culminating in this vote of confidence.
"We are very pleased to confirm that Yuki is staying with us," Mekies stated. "This is a natural step following his strong start to the 2024 season and reflects the impressive progress he has made since joining the team."
Mekies' Glowing Endorsement
The RB team principal didn't hold back in his praise for Tsunoda's development, highlighting specific areas where the Japanese driver has excelled:
- Racecraft maturity: "He is performing at a very high level, and it's not just about single-lap pace but his race management and overtaking prowess"
- Technical feedback: "His ability to work with engineers and develop the car has become exceptional"
- Team leadership: "He has grown into a driver who can lead the team development direction"
Mekies emphasized that Tsunoda's value extends far beyond his on-track performances, noting his importance to the team's technical development and his growing commercial appeal, particularly in the crucial Asian markets.
Strategic Importance for Red Bull
The decision to retain Tsunoda represents a significant strategic move for Red Bull's driver development programme. With several seats potentially opening across both Red Bull and RB in the coming seasons, having a proven performer like Tsunoda provides valuable stability and options for the energy drink giant's F1 empire.
Mekies pointed to Tsunoda's consistency and ability to extract maximum performance from the car as key factors in the decision, suggesting the Japanese driver has become "one of the most complete drivers in the midfield" and someone who "deserves his place in F1 on merit."
This contract extension signals that Tsunoda is no longer seen as a development project but as a genuine asset in Red Bull's formidable driver portfolio, capable of challenging for bigger opportunities within the organisation in the future.
