Yuki Tsunoda is staying at AlphaTauri for 2023

Yuki Tsunoda is staying at AlphaTauri for the 2023 F1 season, the team has confirmed.

The 22-year-old made his debut for the Red Bull junior outfit in 2021, scoring points on his debut in Bahrain before registering a best finish of fourth at the unforgettable season finale in Abu Dhabi.

And although the Japanese driver has generally been outperformed by teammate Piere Gasly in their time together, the team has seen enough evidence of progress to give Tsunoda a third campaign in 2023.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1,” said Tsunoda. “Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023.

“Of course, our 2022 season isn’t over yet and we’re still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year.”

Meanwhile team boss Franz Tost had this to say: “As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season. The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022.

“As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula 1, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential.”

AlphaTauri announced that Gasly would continue with the team back in June, although it was widely reported that Red Bull recently tried to import Colton Herta from IndyCar. The move would’ve allowed the team to negotiate a deal for Gasly to leave for rivals Alpine, although that possibility now appears off the table as Herta doesn’t qualify for the super licence required to race in F1.