Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri (2021–2022)

Yuki Tsunoda's tenure with AlphaTauri from 2021 to 2022 marked his challenging but ultimately formative entry into Formula 1, characterized by flashes of exceptional speed often overshadowed by high-profile incidents. Across 44 races during this period, Tsunoda secured 0 wins and 0 podiums, accumulating 44 total points, demonstrating the steep learning curve for a driver stepping up from Formula 2.

How it began

After a strong rookie season in Formula 2, finishing third in the 2020 championship, Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to Formula 1 by AlphaTauri for the 2021 season. This move placed him firmly within the Red Bull junior driver pipeline, a path many hopefuls, including Carlos Sainz at Toro Rosso (2015–2016), have navigated. His debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix was immediately noteworthy, finishing ninth and scoring points, a rare feat for a rookie in their first race. This early success hinted at the raw talent and aggressive driving style that had propelled him through the junior categories, setting high expectations for his inaugural season in the pinnacle of motorsport.

The partnership's character

The 2021 season saw Tsunoda paired with Pierre Gasly, a driver who had himself experienced the intense pressure of the Red Bull system, notably during his stint at Pierre Gasly at Red Bull Racing (2019). Tsunoda's year was a rollercoaster of brilliant moments and costly mistakes. His pace was undeniable, often matching or exceeding his more experienced teammate in qualifying, particularly on circuits that rewarded bravery and aggression. However, this raw speed frequently came with a propensity for errors, leading to crashes and missed opportunities. The AlphaTauri AT02 and AT03 cars, while generally competitive in the midfield, demanded precision, and Tsunoda's learning curve was visibly played out on track, a common narrative for young drivers like George Russell at Williams (2019–2021) in their early F1 years. His 2021 season concluded with 32 points and a 14th-place championship finish, while 2022 yielded 12 points and a 17th-place finish, reflecting a year where both driver and team struggled more for consistent performance.

Key chapter in the seasons

The 2021 season was a baptism by fire. Beyond his Bahrain debut, Tsunoda's performance at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a highlight, where he finished fourth, his best result of the year. This strong finish offered a glimpse of his potential when he could harness his aggression. However, incidents like his significant crash during qualifying at Imola in 2021, or repeated spins and penalties throughout both seasons, underscored the development areas. The 2022 season, under the new technical regulations, presented a fresh challenge. While Tsunoda showed flashes of improved consistency and maturity, the AlphaTauri AT03 proved less competitive than its predecessor, making points finishes harder to come by. For a detailed record of his and other drivers' performances, the provides comprehensive statistics and race reports.