Yuki Tsunoda, the Red Bull Formula 1 driver, has joined forces with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay to become an ambassador for HexClad, a cookware brand. This partnership, officially confirmed this week, highlights Tsunoda’s passion for food alongside his motorsport career.
The collaboration brings together Tsunoda’s rising profile in F1 and Ramsay’s culinary fame, promoting HexClad’s kitchen products to a diverse audience. The partnership was launched through a video featuring both Tsunoda and Ramsay, showcasing their use of the brand’s cookware.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Longstanding Love for Food
Tsunoda first became known in the Formula 1 paddock not only for his driving but also for his interest in local cuisines, often discussing food during press conferences before race weekends. When he moved from the UK to Italy in 2022, he remarked that the improved food and climate had given him more energy on track.
He has shared cooking videos on platforms like Racing Bulls and F1’s official channels, gaining attention for his enthusiasm and knowledge about various cuisines. Tsunoda revealed his ambition to open a restaurant after achieving his dream of becoming a Formula 1 World Champion.
He explained on Red Bull’s website,
“I don’t know why I have this passion for food. I think a big part of it is that I’m Japanese and when first I came to Europe, I came across lots of food culture from around the world, but I soon realised that Japanese food is really good and I missed it, so I tried to find tasty, good quality food in Europe and I think that was the start.”
Tsunoda added,
“I’ve always loved food ever since I was a kid and my motivation depended on the quality of the food I’d have that day. It’s strange because I don’t think it came from my parents, it was just an interest I developed.”
I still think Japanese food is my favourite but I do enjoy other cuisines, Italian and Mexican food, especially tacos.
—Yuki Tsunoda, Formula 1 Driver
Highlights from the Cookware Campaign with Ramsay
The campaign video released on social media shows Tsunoda preparing a steak for Gordon Ramsay, who holds a total of 17 Michelin stars across his career. The interaction between the two was warmly received by fans, with comments praising the pairing and expressing excitement about the unlikely collaboration.
Fans noted how fitting the partnership seemed, with one remarking, “Oh this is perfect.” Another commented,
Didn’t know I needed a TV show with Yuki and Gordon Ramsay but here we go. Please.
Tsunoda’s former trainer, Michael Italiano, humorously questioned the cooking skills displayed, saying,
There’s no way you cooked that meat. Looks way too good.
Upcoming Races and Future Prospects
Tsunoda will return to the track this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, an important stage as he seeks to consolidate his position in the 2024 Formula 1 season. Meanwhile, his expanding off-track activities, including partnerships like the one with Ramsay and HexClad, demonstrate his growing appeal beyond racing.
The collaboration with Ramsay and a cookware brand adds a new dimension to Tsunoda’s profile and may hint at future ventures in the culinary world, supporting his earlier stated dream of running his own restaurant.
