Yuki Tsunoda sets target of becoming Japan’s best F1 driver; Daniel Ricciardo’s future uncertain

SINGAPORE – Since his Formula One debut in 2021, Visa Cash App RB’s Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda has drawn attention with his aggressive driving style, impressive speed and candidness on team radio.

Now in his fourth season, the grid’s shortest driver at 1.61m is not short on ambition.

In an interview with The Straits Times at the team’s hospitality suite on Sept 19, the 24-year-old expressed his aspiration to win a world championship and surpass Kamui Kobayashi to become the most successful Japanese driver in F1 history.

Tsunoda, who is the 18th Japanese driver to compete in F1, noted that Kobayashi has left his mark, most notably by finishing third for Sauber at the Japan Grand Prix in 2012, behind Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) and Felipe Massa (Ferrari).

“Obviously, I want to achieve what he has achieved and more,” said Tsunoda. “But lots of things are different (in F1), I just want to focus on what I can control and what I can do.”

Tsunoda also acknowledged the legacy of past Japanese drivers, noting: “Each one paved the way for those who followed.

“If not for Takuma Sato (who competed in F1 from 2002 to 2008), Kobayashi might not have been there, and I wouldn’t be here today. I am very appreciative of that and I respect them.”

Since his 2021 debut season, Tsunoda has amassed 83 points over four seasons, just 42 shy of Kobayashi’s total for F1 teams Toyota, Sauber and Caterham from 2009 to 2014. 

When asked if he sees himself surpassing this milestone, Tsunoda confidently replied: “Yes.”

He added: “I want to be world champion one day. Obviously it’s not the next step yet or right moment yet, but until that moment, I will prepare myself as much as possible, for example (work) on my limitations (such as) my emotional control, and be a more complete driver until then.” 

Heading into the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix night race on Sept 22, Tsunoda has racked up 22 points this season, including two seventh-place finishes in Australia and Miami.

While he has secured his seat with RB for 2025, his more experienced teammate Daniel Ricciardo’s future is less certain, having collected only 12 points.

There has been chatter that the Australian may be replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson after this weekend’s race. Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has confirmed that the second RB seat for 2025 would be announced before the Oct 19-21 United States Grand Prix.

Speaking to the media on Sept 19, Ricciardo said: “I can’t give too many details, but in terms of contract, our dates pretty much come into this window now. Basically, I do expect a yes or a no for ’25.

“I’m aware of some talk and speculation about the rest of the season... but obviously, crazy things have happened in this sport.”

With just two seats left on the 2025 grid – at RB and Sauber – Ricciardo, an eight-time race winner, will need to assess his future in the sport soon.

The 35-year-old said: “I know I’m still a competitor. I know I still have a lot of fire in me, but maybe that itch is scratched doing something else. I don’t know. We’ll see.

“It’s hard, like even talking about, just being in the sport and fighting for maybe a 10th place every now and then.”