Yuki Tsunoda has agreed a new deal with AlphaTauri to stay with the team until the end of 2023 at least.
The Japanese driver has impressed with his speed during his time in Formula 1, having arrived on the grid at the start of 2021 as the first driver in the sport to be born this side of the Millennium.
Indeed, he's added an extra level of consistency and maturity to his driving this year and, though the team has perhaps not managed to build on a good 2021 as much as they would have liked, he has shown that he is capable of getting the very maximum out of the package on a number of occasions.
Yuki Tsunoda reacts to signing new deal
He's done enough to earn a new contract for 2023, then, and he's looking forward to seeing what next year will bring:
“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," said Tsunoda in a press release from the team.
"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.”
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 22: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT03 leads Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT03 during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 22, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
READ MORE: WE CHAT TO YUKI TSUNODA
Team principal Franz Tost had this to say, meanwhile:
“As we’ve 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, 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.”