Tsunoda joined Faenza-based AlphaTauri at the start of the 2021 season and has spent two years to date alongside Pierre Gasly, collecting 43 points in that time (32 of which came last season) along with a best finish race in fourth place – claims at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. READ MORE: Horner addresses Gasly reports as Colton Herta linked with AlphaTauri switch Speaking about his new deal, Tsunoda said: “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. Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and I am happy to continue racing with them in 2023. Of course, the 2022 season is not over yet and we continue to push hard in the middle battle line, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we’ll look forward to next year.” Team boss Franz Tost added of the 22-year-old’s re-signing: “As we have seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season. The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, proving he deserves a place in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the final six races of 2022. As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully tackle Formula 1, so I’m glad he’s been given the time to show his full potential. “Plus, it’s a testament to Dr. Marco [Red Bull Motorsports Adviser] and his driver program that we are able to bring out these young talents from the junior categories and develop them. Together with Yuki, I would like to thank Red Bull and AlphaTauri, as well as Honda, for their continued support and for allowing him to stay with us for another year.” READ MORE: Tost vows to run FP1 for Herta if Super License wrangling IndyCar star helps The identity of Tsunoda’s team-mate is less clear, meanwhile, with AlphaTauri and Red Bull having publicly stated that they would be prepared to let Gasly go to another team if they could find a suitable replacement – with Tost admitting that its driver IndyCar Colton Herta interested. the team if he could overcome the obstacle of the American to obtain a Super Licence.
