Yuki's moment: Racing Bulls betting big on Tsunoda as team leader
02/25/2025 03:17 AM
After a breakout 2024 campaign that showcased his growth, Yuki Tsunoda is poised to elevate his game further, with Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies betting big on his potential.
The Japanese driver, now in his fifth year in the sport, is stepping into the spotlight as the team's undisputed leader.
The 24-year-old is no longer the fiery rookie who burst onto the scene, but a seasoned competitor ready to steer his team toward new heights in an increasingly competitive midfield battle.
Tsunoda's 2024 season was a turning point. Facing the pressure of racing alongside seasoned veteran Daniel Ricciardo and the highly touted Liam Lawson, he didn't just hold his own – he thrived.
His raw pace sharpened, his technical feedback grew more precise, and his maturity on and off the track silenced any lingering doubters.
Now, with a rookie teammate in Isack Hadjar and a team looking to build on last year's momentum, Tsunoda is the linchpin of Racing Bulls' ambitions for 2025.
Mekies' Vote of Confidence
Mekies sees Tsunoda as the cornerstone of the team's future. Reflecting on the 24-year-old's progress, the Frenchman is brimming with excitement about what lies ahead.
"I'm super excited about our driver line-up," Mekies said. "Yuki made a very big step forward last year. He really surprised us with the progress he made in terms of raw speed as well as his technical qualities.
"Last season, it's fair to say he joined the ranks of the very good drivers. Now we can ask the question, is there another step to come from him? We believe there is."
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But Mekies doesn't stop there. He acknowledges the team's role in unlocking Tsunoda's potential, emphasizing a collaborative effort to push the Japanese star to new limits.
"It is our job to create the right environment to make that next step possible and we must also give him the right tools for the job," he continued.
"Yuki was an integral part of all the changes that we initiated last year and now, he will be our reference point in terms of speed and what the car is doing, as he has four years' experience in F1 and with this team.
With Isack [Hadjar] embarking on his rookie season, Yuki will be very much the team leader, and he is a vital component of our plans for the coming season."
For Mekies, Tsunoda isn't just a driver—he's the benchmark, the heartbeat of a team hungry to climb the grid. But the question lingers: can he deliver that elusive "next step"?
Tsunoda's Quiet Confidence
If anyone believes in Tsunoda's ability to rise to the occasion, it's the man himself. When asked if there's more to come in 2025, his response is resolute.
"Yes definitely," replied the Japanese charger. "At the very least, I expect to start this season where I ended the last one.
"By the end of last year, I had a stronger mindset and had more control than at the beginning of the season. After that, I want to be even more focused and work on improving the small margins.
"That can make the difference and allow us to continue fighting in the top 10, in what I expect to be an even tighter contest this year. I'll take it step by step, but I'm feeling confident."
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That confidence isn't blind bravado – it's forged from experience. Tsunoda's 2024 season wasn't flawless, but it was a masterclass in growth.
He tamed the emotional outbursts that once defined his early career, replacing them with a steely focus that translated into consistent points finishes.
Now, he's targeting the fine details, the "small margins" that could turn a good season into a great one. But he knows it's not all on him – the team must match his ambition with a car that can compete.
The Car Conundrum
Tsunoda's optimism comes with a caveat: Racing Bulls must address the inconsistencies that plagued them in 2024. While the team enjoyed flashes of brilliance, their car's performance was a rollercoaster—blisteringly quick on some circuits, frustratingly off-pace on others.
Tsunoda pulls no punches when reflecting on the challenge.
"We lacked some consistency last year, the car could be good at one track, but not the same at the next one," he said.
"Of course, there were races where I felt I could have done better, but in general, we were also lacking a little bit when it came to in-season development, compared to our closest rivals.
"We caught up right at the end, but it was not enough.
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Ideally, we need a good start to the season, as we had last year, but then we need to make sure we push on developing the car over the course of the year. I believe that will be the key to making progress."
It's a candid assessment from a driver who's no longer just along for the ride – he's shaping the journey. Tsunoda's four years with the team have given him a deep understanding of its strengths and shortcomings, and he's not afraid to demand more.
For Racing Bulls, the message is clear: give Tsunoda a car that can match his talent, and the results will follow.
The Japanese star's emergence as a leader marks a new chapter for Racing Bulls. No longer the underdog scrapping for survival, they're a team with momentum, guided by a driver who's ready to take his place among F1's elite.
If Tsunoda can find that "next step" – and if Racing Bulls can hold up their end of the bargain – 2025 could be the year they finally charge out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
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