Tsunoda in an exercise in self-criticism and honesty, knows he has spent a lot on the team, but will have a second chance
The rookie dand AlphaTauri, Yuki Tsunoda, was extremely honest about extending his 2022 contract and said that he was surprised to learn that a second season in Formula 1 will be held due to the number of times it has crashed this campaign.
Tsunoda will continue to compete alongside Pierre Gasly in 2022, the organization confirmed this week.
The Japanese driver arrived in F1 with great anticipation and has shown flashes of a very exciting racing style, especially in his debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix. But the mistakes have been hard to ignore and while Gasly has been one of the most outstanding drivers of the season, securing a podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Tsunoda has finished in the points standings on only five occasions.
Speaking before the Italian Grand Prix, Tsunoda was remarkably frank about his season so far, saying that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost have already told him that the erratic streak cannot continue.
“To be honest, when I was asked last week, I already knew a little bit,” Tsunoda said. “I can’t say anything about next year’s contract, but I’m very excited, of course. The first half of the season was pretty inconsistent, so also on my part, I was a little surprised that I will stay next year. “
When asked what he meant by surprise, Tsunoda said, “Because I’m still shocked and spending a lot of money on the team [en reparaciones]… ”.
“It’s not a good way to finish the first half of the season, especially in Hungary. I went against the wall in the first free practice and ruined the whole session, almost two sessions. Franz [Tost] and Helmut [Marko] they tell me I need a more consistent career result and more discipline in the sessions. I couldn’t improve from that especially in the first half of the season, that’s why, ”the Japanese said.
“I was also able to add points, but in Hungary I was a little lucky. So there were mixed feelings, sometimes doing well and sometimes not. That’s why I would say it was amazing,” he explained in conference. The F1 season continues with the Italian Grand Prix celebrating this weekend and you can watch it live via Star +.