Thursday, October 2, 2025

Yuki Tsunoda Calls Daniel Ricciardo His F1 Mentor Revealed

Yuki Tsunoda has publicly recognized Daniel Ricciardo as his mentor in Formula 1, highlighting their close relationship during their time as teammates. This acknowledgment comes as Tsunoda seeks to secure his place in the highly competitive world of F1, with the 2025 season contract yet to be finalized.

The Career Journey of Daniel Ricciardo and His Influence on Tsunoda

Daniel Ricciardo began his Formula 1 career in 2011 with HRT and compiled an impressive record, featuring 257 race starts by the time of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Over the course of his racing years, Ricciardo earned eight Grand Prix victories, achieved 32 podium finishes, and secured three pole positions.

Throughout his career, Ricciardo raced for prominent teams, including Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls (Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri), McLaren, and Renault’s Enstone-based squad, which later became Alpine. His diverse experience across these teams provided a wealth of knowledge that has influenced many drivers, including Tsunoda.

Last year, Tsunoda raced alongside Ricciardo at Racing Bulls, establishing a mentor-mentee dynamic between the two. In a discussion with Talking Bull, Tsunoda addressed their relationship directly:

“No, teacher is wrong.” – Yuki Tsunoda

When asked if Ricciardo was more of a mentor, Tsunoda agreed:

“Yes, mentor.” – Yuki Tsunoda

Since stepping back from full-time F1 competition, Ricciardo has become a global ambassador for Ford Racing, taking part in the 2024 campaign where he ranked 17th in the driver standings with 12 points. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has accumulated 30 points this year, reflecting a promising trajectory despite ongoing challenges.

Yuki Tsunoda
Image of: Yuki Tsunoda

The Ongoing Struggle of Yuki Tsunoda to Maintain His F1 Career

As the 2024 season nears its conclusion with only seven Grand Prix events remaining, Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain because he has not yet confirmed a contract extension with Red Bull. Currently teamed up alongside reigning world champion Max Verstappen since the third round of the season, Tsunoda has faced continuous difficulties adapting to the RB21 car.

Former Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly, who now races for Alpine, has offered insights into Tsunoda’s current situation and how the Japanese driver might improve his performance. Reflecting on their conversations, Gasly emphasized the importance of focus for Tsunoda:

“I mean, this is stuff that I talk with Yuki, obviously, very openly. We have a good relationship, and I think, ultimately, he needs to work out what’s the best way of focusing on the performance because, at the end of the day, the only thing that matters when you’re in a competitive sport is the performance you put out there.”

“[You’ve] got to figure out the limitations you’re facing, what’s your best chances of displaying your skills in the best possible way. So I think that’s the main thing, cutting the noise.”

“Obviously, there are always going to be a lot of talks, a lot of noise around. You need to find a way that it just doesn’t get to your head.”

– Pierre Gasly, Alpine F1 Driver

Since his debut in Formula 1 in 2021, Tsunoda has gathered a total of 111 points and currently stands 17th in the 2025 drivers’ championship standings. The pressure to prove himself this season is intense as he attempts to solidify his role within a team renowned for cultivating winning talent.

Significance of the Mentorship and What Lies Ahead for Tsunoda

Tsunoda’s acknowledgment of Ricciardo as his mentor underscores the importance of guidance from experienced drivers in shaping younger talent in Formula 1. Ricciardo’s wealth of racing knowledge and seasoned career provide invaluable support to Tsunoda as he navigates the complexities of competition at the top level.

The mentorship connection also highlights a broader trend within F1, where upcoming drivers benefit from the insights and advice of veterans, enabling smoother transitions and better prepared approaches to racing challenges.

Looking forward, Tsunoda’s ability to harness this mentorship and address performance issues will be crucial in determining his presence on the grid beyond 2024. His adaptation to the Red Bull machinery and mental resilience, as stressed by Gasly, may define the trajectory of his Formula 1 career in the coming seasons.

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