Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver making waves in Formula 1, has had a transformative journey marked by discipline and hard work. Often expressing a desire to become a restaurateur rather than an F1 star, Tsunoda has embraced the grueling life of a driver through sheer determination. Having joined the Red Bull stable and moved up to AlphaTauri, now known as Racing Bulls, in 2021, he has evolved significantly from the raw talent he once was, thanks to the structured approach of his former team principal, Franz Tost.
Tsunoda’s potential was clear, but he faced numerous challenges, particularly regarding discipline and emotional control. Recognizing his struggles, Tost and his team devised a comprehensive plan aimed at preparing Tsunoda for the pressures of Formula 1. Tost noted the importance of addressing the young driver’s “fragile” discipline and harnessing his potential effectively. “You must be flexible, you must find out how to work together with these drivers, where are their strengths, where are their deficiencies?” Tost shared on the Inside Line F1 podcast, emphasizing his tailored approach for Tsunoda’s development.
The rigorous schedule Tsunoda followed was designed to foster both discipline and skill. His day began with breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by an intensive hour-and-a-half gym session. After that, he met with his engineers to discuss performance before lunch. His commitment to improvement extended to English lessons, as Tost identified language barriers that could hinder his communication with the team. The day wrapped up with another gym session in the evening, culminating in an early bedtime. This structured regimen significantly impacted Tsunoda’s understanding of the discipline required to succeed in Formula 1.
As Tsunoda evolved, he also faced challenges from within the team. A recent internal competition for the 2025 Red Bull seat heightened the stakes for drivers, including Tsunoda. Competing against seasoned drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda demonstrated impressive performance, at times overshadowing his teammate in qualifiers and races. Team orders, however, created tension, particularly when Tsunoda was instructed to allow Ricciardo to pass. Such incidents ignited his frustrations, but they also served as valuable lessons in racing politics and teamwork.
Over the past two years, Tsunoda has made noticeable strides in controlling his emotions, particularly in high-pressure racing situations. Interacting with Ricciardo has helped him develop a level of composure previously missing from his driving style. “I’ve learned to maintain my focus and handle pressure more effectively,” Tsunoda noted, reflecting on his progress. Although he initially missed out on the coveted Red Bull seat for the 2025 season, it was the underperformance of fellow driver Liam Lawson that provided Tsunoda with another chance to showcase his talent.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda must leverage the lessons learned and the discipline cultivated during his tenure with AlphaTauri to secure his future in Formula 1. As he continues to grow both as a driver and an individual, it remains to be seen whether he can retain his position within the competitive confines of Red Bull. The pressure is high, but the experience gained thus far sets the stage for what could be a successful partnership in the years to come.
Ultimately, Yuki Tsunoda’s journey underscores the crucial blend of discipline, emotional intelligence, and tenacity required to thrive in the demanding world of Formula 1, where every decision could make or break a career.
