Tsunoda ‘learned a lot’ from Gasly in his first year in F1

In 2025, Yuki Tsunoda will begin his fifth year in Formula 1, with Racing Bulls. The Japanese, a product of the Red Bull junior academy and supported by Honda, started in the premier category in 2021 riding in the colors of the red bull’s sister team AlphaTauri (now VCARB).

At the start of his career, Tsunoda shared his garage with Pierre Gasly. It was during the two years they worked together that the two drivers formed a wonderful friendship, amid the traditional rivalry that drives two teammates.

“I think it was something special”said Tsunoda about his relationship with Gasly, speaking to The Red Flags Podcast. “Having that kind of friendship in the paddock, especially with your teammate, who is one of the closest people to you and who you talk to often, but at the same time, [sur] the track, is one of your biggest rivals, it’s rare, that’s for sure.”

The VCARB driver said he was very grateful for the kindness and advice offered by Gasly at that time. This kindness is all the more important from Tsunoda as his adaptation to F1 was not the easiest.

“I appreciated the fact that he was kind to me, even after [que Gasly ait rejoint Alpine]”added the Japanese. “So, yes, I learned a lot the first year when I was with him, he helped me with a lot of things when I was a beginner, and especially when I struggled a lot during the first half of the season.”

“To be honest, it was probably because I was quite far away. He was like, ‘Ah, my teammate is in trouble,’ and he didn’t have to think about beating me. So it was probably easier to handle. I probably wasn’t capable of fighting at his level. So for him too, it was easy to give me advice on what to do, or even have a fun chat with me. “

“But actually, all these moments were very important for me. Because, inside it was quite difficult, and outside there was a person with whom I could chat and distract myself from F1 , I would say.”

Tsunoda admits that things would surely be different if the two drivers were to become teammates again now: “I think he won’t be able to chat with me like the first year [rires]. But it’s still nice.”

Nevertheless, the relationship between Gasly and Tsunoda remains that of two friends, who see each other even outside of the races and the paddock: “I’m going to move to Milan soon, where he also lives. So, I’m sure we’ll see each other again. We’ve had a few talks. He’s very happy that I’m moving there and he even organized a sort of welcome party to Milan it will be great.”

“Also, like this year or even last year, you know, at the start of the season in Dubai, we met several times, coincidentally, completely coincidentally. We did a training camp together, and we’ve done a lot of activities, so I think we’re going to do those kinds of things, and keep that relationship.”

With Oleg Karpov