Yuki Tsunoda says he “feels more pressure” to perform in Formula 1 compared to his rookie campaign but that it is a motivating factor for 2022.
Tsunoda had a rollercoaster rookie season in Formula 1, scoring points on his debut, before enduring several difficult events affected by sub-par pace and accidents.
Tsunoda was nonetheless retained for 2022 and concluded his first year with a trio of Q3 appearances and season-best fourth in the Abu Dhabi finale.
“I have a much better understanding of what I have to do than I did a year ago, I know how to prepare in order to perform well,” said Tsunoda, who was able to return to his native Japan during the winter break.
“I know what my weak points are, and I have all of my experience from last year to build on.
“Last year if anything unexpected or unusual happened I could not adapt quickly enough to deal with the situation – which is why I struggled in a lot of races.
“I ended last year well, with fourth in Abu Dhabi, so I want to carry that momentum into 2022.
“I feel more pressure to perform now than I did last year but it’s a good pressure, which is motivation for me when I’m training.”
Tsunoda added that he “wants to improve my pace and the consistency in the way I drive.
“I know what I have to do to achieve that – if I can work the way I did at the last three or four races of last year then that will be a good way to start.
“It won’t be easy but I am confident that I can do it.”
