The world of Formula One is once again abuzz with speculation and intrigue, this time surrounding the future of Yuki Tsunoda and the impact it could have on Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson.
Contrary what this website understands, recent reports from Germany suggest that Tsunoda is poised to extend his stay with the AlphaTauri team into the 2024 season, potentially at the expense of the aforementioned drivers.
The original plan: A straightforward path to 2024
With the Japanese Grand Prix on the horizon, anticipation is mounting for an official announcement regarding Tsunoda’s contract extension.
Just a month ago, Red Bull’s F1 strategy for the 2024 season seemed relatively straightforward. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were expected to continue with the main team, while Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo seemed poised for seats at AlphaTauri, provided Ricciardo lived up to expectations.
This arrangement was to serve as an extended audition for the coveted Red Bull seat in 2025, with Perez’s contract due to expire at the end of 2024.
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The twist: Ricciardo’s hand injury & Lawson’s impressive debut
However, the Formula One landscape is notoriously unpredictable and recent developments have thrown a wrench into Red Bull’s well-laid plans. Daniel Ricciardo’s campaign took an unexpected turn when he broke his hand in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix.
As a result, talented rookie Liam Lawson was thrust into the limelight to replace Ricciardo for three consecutive races. Despite his limited experience in an F1 car, Lawson has shown impressive ability, outperforming Tsunoda and securing AlphaTauri’s best result of the year at the Singapore Grand Prix.
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German media claims Tsunoda’s retained
With the 2024 season fast approaching, Red Bull is now facing a major conundrum. According to reports from German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Yuki Tsunoda is set to retain his place at AlphaTauri for 2024.
An official announcement is expected at Tsunoda’s home race in Suzuka. Such a decision would not only cement Tsunoda’s future, but also cast doubt on the prospects of Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson.
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Analysing the potential outcomes
The potential scenarios for the 2024 grid are complex and intriguing. If Tsunoda does indeed secure his place, that leaves just one vacancy.
While Williams have yet to confirm Alex Albon’s team-mate, underachieving rookie Logan Sargeant is in danger of losing his seat. However, it is worth noting that Auto Motor und Sport report that Mick Schumacher is not being considered for the role, despite previous links with the team which is again, contrary to what we understand to be the case.
This development could potentially pave the way for Liam Lawson, who may consider leaving the Red Bull set-up if he is again overlooked for an F1 seat, having previously been overlooked in favour of Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo.
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F1’s ever-changing landscape
The world of Formula One is a dynamic and ever-changing environment, where unexpected twists and turns can reshape the grid and driver line-ups. Yuki Tsunoda’s impending contract extension with AlphaTauri sets the stage for a series of decisions that could have far-reaching consequences for drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson.
As the Japanese Grand Prix approaches and the official announcements are made, Formula One fans will be eager to see how this fascinating saga unfolds. Be sure to subscribe to TJ13 for the latest, and for more information on what this website understands the situation to be, click on the link below.
READ MORE: Bizarre Tsunoda rumours
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— Formula 1 (@F1) September 18, 2023
Bizarre Tsunoda rumours
The 2023 Formula One silly season has been nothing but a damp squib. The driver market has thus far been utterly predictable with Mercedes retaining both Hamilton and Russell, Haas indicating they will make no changes and Ferrari and Aston Martin have drivers with contracts through to 2025.
McLaren have Lando Norris locked in for two more seasons and new boy Oscar Piastri is expected to receive a contract extension with the papaya liveried team…. READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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I truly don’t see how Yuki can even be considered for an extension both Ricardo and Lawson have both out scored Yukio in the handful of races that they have had this season, christ Yukio is lucky to even complete a Grand Prix weekend. He has had 3 seasons to perform and has finished behind the teams other driver in Gasly in every season he has been at Alpha Taurus, given Redbull are looking at Ricardo to partner Max in 25 and with Lawson showing surprising results he has had to step up to you would be as a team leader to keep both Ricardo and Lawson for 24 season which in turn gives Lawson a full year to develop even greater and a possible future seat at Redbull plus the Aussie and Kiwi dynamic would work well together for next season and even possibly giving the team a greater chance of scoring more points than any other season that Yuki has been there. Youth and Exprience thats what Alpha Taurus have been quoted saying what they want as drivers for the team.