Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda (born 11 May 2000) is a Japanese racing driver who competes in Formula One for Red Bull Racing. Born in Sagamihara and raised in Tokyo, Tsunoda began competitive kart racing aged nine. Supported by Honda since 2016 through the Honda Formula Dream Project, Tsunoda graduated to junior formulae the same year. He won his first full championship at the JAF Japan F4 East Series in 2017.
Full Name:
Yuki Tsunoda
Birthday:
11 May 2000
Birthplace:
Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
Profession:
Race Car Driver
Gender:
Male
Primary Series:
Notable Achievements:
FIA Rookie of the Year (Record 2020)
Car Number:
22

Yuki Tsunoda Bio

Early Life and Background

Yuki Tsunoda was born on 11 May 2000 in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. He began his journey in motorsports at the age of nine, starting competitive kart racing. Tsunoda’s early exposure to racing was significantly supported by Honda, which he joined through the Honda Formula Dream Project in 2016. He attended LCA International Elementary School and later transferred to Wako High School in April 2017 to focus on his racing career. Tsunoda also began his studies at the Faculty of Sport Management at Nippon Sport Science University in April 2019 but withdrew to concentrate fully on racing.

Path to Formula One

Tsunoda’s racing career took off when he graduated from Honda’s Suzuka Circuit Racing School in 2016. He made his debut in the F4 Japanese Championship that same year, achieving a podium finish in his first race. His talent quickly became apparent as he won the JAF Japan F4 East Series in 2017 and the F4 Japanese Championship in 2018, amassing a total of seven wins. In 2019, he progressed to FIA Formula 3 with Jenzer Motorsport and became a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, finishing third in his rookie season of FIA Formula 2 in 2020 with Carlin.

Yuki Tsunoda Career

Early Career (2016–2020)

Tsunoda’s early career saw him competing in various junior formulae, including the F4 Japanese Championship and FIA Formula 3. His notable achievements included winning the F4 Japanese Championship in 2018 and finishing third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2020, where he secured three wins and four pole positions. His strong performances in these series laid the groundwork for his entry into Formula One.

Formula One Breakthrough (2021–2024)

Tsunoda made his Formula One debut in 2021 with AlphaTauri, partnering Pierre Gasly. He quickly made an impression by finishing ninth in his first race at the Bahrain Grand Prix. His best result that season came at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he finished fourth. Tsunoda retained his seat for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where he continued to show promise despite facing challenges. He finished 14th in the drivers’ championship in 2023, scoring 17 points.

Red Bull Racing Era (2025–Present)

In 2025, Tsunoda was promoted to Red Bull Racing, replacing Liam Lawson. He made his debut for the team at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished twelfth. Tsunoda scored his first points for Red Bull at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ninth. His performances have continued to improve, with notable results including a seventh-place finish in Australia and a solid showing in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Race Car Driver Style and Strengths

Tsunoda is known for his aggressive driving style and ability to adapt quickly to changing race conditions. His experience in various racing series has honed his skills in strategy and racecraft, making him a formidable competitor on the track.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Tsunoda was awarded the FIA Rookie of the Year in 2020, highlighting his rapid ascent in motorsports. His career milestones include multiple wins in junior categories and a strong debut season in Formula One.

Yuki Tsunoda Career Wins

Tsunoda has achieved significant success in various racing series, particularly in junior formulae, where he secured multiple victories. His transition to Formula One has seen him earn points and establish himself as a competitive driver.

Current Formula One Series Highlights

As of 2025, Tsunoda has scored points in multiple races, with his best results being a seventh-place finish in Australia and a ninth-place finish in Bahrain. He continues to build on his experience and aims for further success with Red Bull Racing.

Previous Formula One Series Achievements

In his earlier seasons with AlphaTauri, Tsunoda finished fourth at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 and consistently scored points, showcasing his potential as a rising star in Formula One.

Yuki Tsunoda Family

Family Background and Formula One Lineage

Tsunoda’s family background is not extensively documented, but his early support from Honda and involvement in motorsports has been a significant influence on his career.

Personal Life

Public details regarding Tsunoda’s personal life remain limited, as he focuses primarily on his racing career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Tsunoda as he transitioned to Red Bull Racing. Early performances have shown promise, with a notable seventh-place finish in Australia and consistent point-scoring finishes. As the season progresses, Tsunoda aims to solidify his position within the team and continue to build on his racing experience, with aspirations for higher placements in the championship standings.