Yuki Tsunoda reckons he “impressed” Purple Bull along with his technical suggestions in his latest Method 1 check for the workforce – realizing it’s an space the squad has doubted him on.
The Japanese was handed his first correct run in a Purple Bull automobile on the latest post-season Abu Dhabi tyre check, at a time when the Milton Keynes-based outfit is deciding what to do with its driver line-up for 2025.
However whereas Tsunoda is an apparent candidate for a step up from RB if Sergio Perez is dropped for subsequent yr, it’s understood that the workforce’s scepticism about his technical suggestions and behavior within the automobile has all the time counted in opposition to him.
Reflecting on his day’s working on the Yas Marina circuit, Tsunoda feels that he lastly managed to quell a few of these issues about him – which might assist increase his possibilities of a promotion.
It’s understood that Purple Bull will make an announcement about its driver plans later this week, though his team-mate Liam Lawson stays the favorite to get moved up if Perez is axed.
Talking on the Honda Racing season finale occasion, Tsunoda stated: “I heard loads about how impressed they had been, notably with my suggestions.
“This got here not solely from the trackside engineers but additionally from the engineers supporting remotely from Purple Bull’s manufacturing unit in Milton Keynes. They talked about how impressed they had been with my enter.

Yuki Tsunoda, Purple Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Ronald Vording
“That space was a key goal for me. I consider Purple Bull already understands that my velocity isn’t a lot of a difficulty. As a substitute, what they’re extra centered on is issues like my suggestions, my behaviour inside the workforce, and the way I conduct myself within the automobile. They in all probability noticed these areas as the most important unknowns.
“So whereas holding that in thoughts, I continued to offer suggestions as I all the time have, aiming to speak as totally and with as a lot element as potential.”
Whereas Tsunoda discovered some variations in Purple Bull’s strategy in comparison with the RB workforce that he has raced for, he stated the most important distinction was the depth of technical clarification that he was requested to offer.
“Despite the fact that the 2 groups are fairly completely different, there are some similarities, notably within the optimistic environment,” he stated.
“Our workforce feels very Italian – pleasant with a lot of bodily gestures and interactions. In the meantime, Purple Bull additionally has a really energetic vibe, virtually like being in a pub.
“If I had been to offer one instance relating to the engineering course of, Purple Bull digs deeper into each remark I make. They don’t miss something I point out, asking very detailed follow-up inquiries to discover much more specifics.

Yuki Tsunoda, Purple Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photographs
“Whereas they’ve this energetic picture with regards to engineering and the automobile, they’re extremely thorough and detail-oriented. In a approach, I feel this precision aligns with the eye to element typically related to Japanese folks.
“I additionally felt a powerful power the place everybody freely shares and exchanges feedback with out hesitation. That’s to not say our workforce doesn’t have that, however I feel it’s an space the place the 2 groups differ barely.”
Tsunoda admits he isn’t the favorite for the Purple Bull seat, however says it will be a dream for him if it might occur.
He added: “I feel the possibilities are 50-50. After all, I’d be happiest if I might drive for Purple Bull, however I’m extremely grateful for all of the assist I’m receiving from everybody on this present scenario.
“No matter which workforce I’m with, what I have to do stays the identical. It’s not nearly Purple Bull. For all we all know, VCARB would possibly surpass them in growth. It’s not prefer it completely must be Purple Bull.
“I don’t know what’s going to occur, however I simply need to carry out effectively and rating factors. Standing on the rostrum at Suzuka could be the final word dream. However, to attain that, I need to assist construct a greater automobile and a greater workforce sometime.
“Till that point comes, I hope everybody will be affected person.”
On this article
Jonathan Noble
Method 1
Yuki Tsunoda
Purple Bull Racing
Racing Bulls
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information e mail updates on these subjects
Subscribe to news alerts