AlphaTauri keeps Tsunoda onboard for 2023 F1 season

©AlphaTauri

40

Scuderia AlphaTauri has announced that it has extended Yuki Tsunoda's contract with the team for the 2023 Formula 1 season.

The 22-year-old Japanese charger was promoted to F1 by Red Bull in 2021 and achieved his best result at last year's season finale in Abu Dhabi where he finished P4.

Tsunoda's second campaign in F1 has been difficult on the back of AlphaTauri's dwindling performance level that has left both the young gun and teammate Pierre Gasly struggling to score points on race day.

While the Frenchman's future with AlphaTauri is still up in the air, the team has decided to hand Tsunoda a third season in F1.

"I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1," he said on Thursday following his team's announcement.

"Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023.

"Of course, our 2022 season isn’t over yet and we’re still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year."

Read also: Horner 'regrets' not signing up Piastri to Red Bull junior programme

AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost, who has mentored multiple young talents over the years, remains a big believer in Tsunoda's potential.

"As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season," he said.

"The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022.

"As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula 1, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential.

"In addition, it’s a testament to Dr. Marko and his driver programme that we’re able to bring these young talents up from the junior categories and develop them.

"I’d like to join Yuki in thanking Red Bull and AlphaTauri, as well as Honda, for their continuous support and for allowing him to stay with us for another year."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.