Yuki Tsunoda: I learned a lot from Alonso

Yuki Tsunoda is in his third season in F1 but admits he still has a lot to learn. The AlphaTauri racer said he is following Fernando Alonso’s performance closely and taking an example from the two-time Formula 1 champion.

Yuki Tsunoda: “After joining Formula 1, I learn a lot from other drivers, but especially from Fernando Alonso. In Hungary in 2021, Lewis Hamilton attacked me – I did everything in my power, but after four laps he overtook me. After that, Fernando defended against Lewis and I learned a lot from his example.

I noticed how he puts the car on the track and in which corners he tries to get away from Lewis. Hamilton drove into thin air, so it was difficult for him to pass the final corner correctly at medium speed. I think Fernando knew this and tried to win back from Lewis as much as possible in the last corner to avoid being overtaken at the start.

Watching this fight taught me a lot and when I was in a similar situation at the Turkish Grand Prix I defended myself against Lewis’ attacks. I tried to copy Fernando as much as possible, keeping Lewis under control for eight laps.

I respect all riders, but I am a fan of Fernando because my father loves him. I was 12 years old when we came to Suzuka for the Grand Prix, and my father told me that Fernando drives the last corner as close to the white line as possible and shows very good results in every lap.

I’ve been following Alonso’s performances ever since. I still can’t believe I’m racing with him. This is an incredible thing – I couldn’t imagine fighting him in the races 13 years after those events.

Fernando is a really friendly and pleasant guy. I wanted to trade helmets with him, but I was too concerned to ask him about it. And last year he himself came to me and said: “Yuki, let’s exchange helmets!”

I was stunned, although I tried not to show him how happy I was. I was embarrassed, but very happy, and after the exchange I immediately called my father. I still can’t believe I’m racing with Fernando. Just unbelievable”.