Yuki Tsunoda makes his comeback in Formula 1 during the upcoming Dutch GP at Zandvoort. At least, a temporary comeback. The test and reserve driver is allowed to substitute for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, while the New Zealander replaces an injured Isack Hadjar in the main team. Tsunoda is eager to participate in a Grand Prix again, although he has to make do with limited preparation.
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“It’s good to be back,” said a cheerful Yuki Tsunoda during a press moment at Zandvoort. “I didn’t see it coming at all. I just have to try to stay calm, but I’m doing well with that. But I’m really looking forward to tomorrow,” he laughs. “I was craving a chance to step in – as a reserve driver you want this desperately. So far, I’ve had to follow all the races on a screen; that wasn’t very frustrating or stressful, but as a driver you’d rather just get behind the wheel.”
Asked about his preparation, Tsunoda admits that he is physically ready to race again. “I’ve had a lot of time to train because I had nothing else to do. The only thing I still need to do is get used to this car, which I think feels quite different. And of course, there are the new procedures, for example how to start. That will be difficult with only one free practice, but that’s why I don’t have high expectations.” Because a sprint weekend is held in Zandvoort, Tsunoda has to make do with one training hour.
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Yuki Tsunoda was called on the beach
“I’m just going to enjoy it, because I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time,” he concluded soberly. Due to his involvement as a test driver, Tsunoda does have some affinity with the new cars. “I was at the circuit a lot this year,” he continued. “I was involved in every meeting and if I saw something different than I expected, I said so. And it was also often about energy distribution on each circuit, the differences between the circuits, and things like that.”
It is striking that Tsunoda was called up for the sister team and not directly substituting at Red Bull. After all, he has been much more involved with the main team over the past six months. “Honestly, I stepped into the Racing Bulls simulator for the first time yesterday,” he admitted hesitantly. “So in terms of car knowledge, I’m sure I know more about Red Bull.” Finally, the moment the Japanese driver heard that he would participate in a Grand Prix again. “I was with my manager and other friends in Greece and we were lying on the beach,” he said happily. “At that moment I got the call, just as I was nicely looking relaxed over the water.”
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Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
