Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 journey has often been a tale of rapid learning curves, passionate radio messages, and flashes of raw speed. But as the 2024 season unfolds, a renewed wave of appreciation has emerged for the Japanese driver's extraordinary development and skillset, particularly from within the Alpine camp. Alan Permane, Alpine’s seasoned sporting director, has lavished praise on Tsunoda, noting that the youngster’s abilities are “in line with the top drivers" after working closely with him during a recent simulator session.
Coming into Formula 1 in 2021 with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls), Tsunoda faced the daunting task of adapting to the world's most demanding motorsport environment. His early career showcased raw pace, sometimes offset by inexperience and emotional communication over the team radio. However, Tsunoda’s relentless determination and focus on self-improvement have paid off—he is now hailed as one of the most promising midfield drivers on the grid.
Permane was candid about his initial expectations, admitting, "I didn't know what to expect from Yuki." But after a session that involved setup tweaks, tyre management simulations, and feedback gathering, Tsunoda’s analytical approach and precise technical feedback drew comparison to F1’s established elite. His growing maturity was further emphasized as Permane described the Honda-backed driver as “a nice surprise” and credited his “well-developed racecraft and professionalism.” For fans of Tsunoda and Japanese motorsport, this recognition justifies years of hype surrounding his European exploits.
What makes Tsunoda stand out in 2024 is not just his improved consistency or ferocious qualifying pace, but how he has become a linchpin for the Racing Bulls team. Now regularly outqualifying and outscoring his much-lauded teammate Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda has earned respect up and down the paddock. His ability to extract performance out of tricky midfield machinery, combined with a sharp tactical mind during race conditions, makes him a hot commodity as teams weigh up their driver options for 2025 and beyond.
Behind the scenes, Tsunoda is said to be a sponge for knowledge, relentlessly probing engineers for data, seeking ways to improve his tyre management, and drilling down into telemetry long after others have left the garage. This studiousness is no longer a surprise for the Faenza outfit, but it has nevertheless caught the attention of rival teams and technical staff who interact with him during test and development work. Alan Permane’s endorsement holds particular weight, given his decades of experience working with multiple world champions, including Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
Japan’s star has also matured significantly in terms of handling pressure. Where once Tsunoda’s radio messages were often fiery, today’s interactions are more measured, filled with detailed technical feedback rather than frustration. This evolution has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to coax life out of the Pirelli tyres and manage complex race strategies, skills that teams crave in this palpitating hybrid era.
For F1 fans—especially those back in Hungary, where Tsunoda’s popularity is quietly growing—this season represents an inflection point. With Honda’s partnership with Aston Martin looming and several driver-market dominoes yet to fall, Tsunoda’s next step could define the trajectory of his career. But whether he remains at Racing Bulls or moves to a larger team, it’s clear he has outgrown his rookie shoes.
As the European leg of the championship draws near and fans gather for another summer of high-octane racing, keep a sharp eye on car number 22. Not only does Yuki Tsunoda represent the vanguard of Japanese motorsport, but thanks to testimonies like Permane’s, his time among Formula 1’s top echelon may soon be at hand.
