Yuki Tsunoda has been working flat out in simulator to prepare for Red Bull debut in F1 Japanese GP, as Ryo Hirakawa gets FP1 drive with Alpine at Suzuka.
Ever since the news broke about Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull from F1 Japanese GP onward, the Japanese driver has been flat out at Milton Keynes to prepare for this weekend’s race in Suzuka. He terms the whole situation as crazy and also an important step for his career.
The goal for Tsunoda is simple. He has finish in Q3 and also score points, while aiding Red Bull strategically in races with two cars around each other. The development of RB21 is a key area as well, which the Japanese driver will be useful with his experience now.
For now, there is less chance of Tsunoda being replaced for rest of the 2025 F1 season unless he performs way below the threshold. “It’s been a bit of a crazy week! I was happy when I was told the news I would be driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, my main emotions were excitement and motivation,” he said ahead of his Red Bull debut.
“I feel honoured to be driving for the Team. To make my debut for Oracle Red Bull Racing at my home race in Japan makes it even more crazy. This week is going be insane, it’s a mix of pressure for the challenge and excitement. This is a huge step for my career and what I want to achieve. The message from the Team has been to keep doing what you’re doing and perform.
“I need to be as close to Max as possible to try and compete for the Constructors’ title and benefit the Team strategically in every race. I am aware of the challenges the RB21 has and my job is to try to understand it and develop this car too. My first challenge is to get to grips with this car, I have driven it on the sim but my first time will be in practice, so I have to get up to speed quickly.
“I’ve been working with my new team in the UK over the last week to prepare as best I can and I will continue that ethic once we get to Suzuka. I will take learnings from Max and try and get the most from this weekend for the Team. My goal is to drive fast, give lots of feedback and make the car better,” summed up Tsunoda.
The Red Bull driver will not be the only Japanese on the grid, especially in FP1. Alpine has announced Toyota WEC driver Hirakawa to undertake a FP1 run in Japanese GP, not as part of the rookie regulation, but more fulfilling his role as a test and reserve driver of the French outfit.
He will replace Jack Doohan, who has fulfilled the rookie requirement of two FP1 sessions on his side of the garage. “I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend,” said Hirakawa. “I’m looking back to 18 years ago to 2007, the first time I went to watch the Japanese Grand Prix, it was a different track, Fuji, but it was Formula One in Japan.
“Since then, I started my racing career and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true, I just can’t wait. I have got everything prepared, we did simulator work in Enstone a few days ago and I’m going to enjoy the moment.
“Hopefully the weather is good, it will be a short session, but I will enjoy it and do my best for the team to hopefully input some direction on set up. I just want to add my appreciation to everyone at the team for the opportunity and support.”
Here’s Red Bull with special livery
Here’s Liam Lawson on decision
Here’s news on Yuki Tsunoda promotion, Liam Lawson demotion
Here’s Jack Doohan on needing driving standard refresh
