RB driver Yuki Tsunoda has outlined that he wants to “increase my value” to other Formula 1 teams on the grid in the event that a Red Bull promotion is unattainable.
Tsunoda has been adamant that his ultimate ambition is to secure a drive with the senior Red Bull team, but he has seldom been recognised as a genuine contender.
Despite having outqualified team-mate Daniel Ricciardo at all three rounds this term, the Australian has been the more fancied name to replace Sergio Perez in 2025.
Tsunoda has sustained a strong start to 2024, converting eighth on the grid to seventh place in Australia as Ricciardo was eliminated in Q1 and crossed the line 12th.
Amid links to Aston Martin due to its impending partnership with Honda, the Japanese racer hopes that he can become an attractive choice if Red Bull isn’t an option.
When asked whether his encouraging beginning to the campaign would boost his Red Bull prospects, Tsunoda said: “Hopefully they will consider it.
At the same time, I do want as much as I can to show the performance even to the other teams.
“I just want to increase my value as a driver [and show] that I can fight pretty strong. I don’t know what’s going on with Red Bull, but hopefully they will strongly consider [me] as well.”
One aspect that has worked against Tsunoda and seen him omitted from conversations regarding the Red Bull seat has been his temperament during racing situations.
But having strived to control his emotions, Tsunoda was satisfied that he didn’t get flustered when Kevin Magnussen’s contentious tactics ruined his race in Saudi Arabia.
“I’m pretty pleased with how I handled the previous race,” he said. “I would say, if it’s normal, me, I would for sure press radio and something I would say, something like usual me.
“But at the same time, the thing is, when I say in the press conference in Saudi, I want to change myself, and I’m sure you guys will see how I changed from that race onwards.
“I’m pleased that I was able to improve that a little bit in the first step. Obviously, to continue that is always more difficult, but that’s what I’m aiming for, and that’s what I have to do.
“But it wasn’t easy, obviously, even without a helmet, I was chewing my tongue like hell.”
He added: “I didn’t know that actually would take a lot of energy, more than I, using the neck or G-force to hold on my stress, you know.
“I’m sure it will take more time to kind of get used to it, but at least the first time probably I achieved this, and I’m sure I can continue this as well.”
