Competitive kart racing became the primary focus for Yuki Tsunoda at age nine in his native Japan. Progressing through the national junior formulae, he secured vital support from the Honda Formula Dream Project in 2016, a partnership that eventually facilitated his trajectory from local racing circuits to the high-stakes environment of Formula One.
Early Career in Japan
Tsunoda began his professional karting tenure in 2010. By 2016, he graduated from the Suzuka Circuit Racing School, entering the F4 Japanese Championship the same year. He secured his first single-seater podium at Suzuka shortly thereafter. In 2017, he participated in a dual program, competing in both the F4 Japanese Championship and the regional East series, winning the latter. His dominance in national competition concluded in 2018 when he secured seven victories to win the F4 Japanese Championship title.
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Joining the Red Bull Junior Team and Jenzer Motorsport in 2019, Tsunoda entered the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He claimed his maiden win in the category at Monza, concluding the season ninth overall. Simultaneously, he competed in the Euroformula Open Championship, where he achieved a fourth-place standing. His 2020 campaign included a stint in the Toyota Racing Series and a move to FIA Formula 2 with Carlin, where he finished third in the championship standings.
Formula One Progression
Tsunoda made his Formula One debut with AlphaTauri in 2021, achieving a career-best fourth-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He remained with the team through its transition to Racing Bulls. After serving as a consistent team member through 2024, he earned a mid-season promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2025 for the Japanese Grand Prix. By 2026, he moved into a reserve driver capacity for Red Bull and Racing Bulls, returning to the track at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Fast facts
- Born: 2000, Sagamihara, Japan
- First full championship: 2017 JAF Japan F4 East Series
- FIA Formula 2 rookie finish: 3rd in 2020
- Formula One debut: 2021 with AlphaTauri
- Senior team promotion: 2025, Red Bull Racing
- Languages: English, Japanese
Questions readers ask
Which junior teams supported Tsunoda's early career?
He was supported by the Honda Formula Dream Project and the Red Bull Junior Team.
What was his role during the 2026 season?
He served as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, with a return to racing at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Achievements
- Represented Red Bull Junior Team and Racing Bulls
- Discipline: auto racing
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