Yuki Tsunoda is ambitiously aiming for a top position in Formula 1, asserting his mature readiness for such a role.
At only 23 years old and having spent four years with Red Bull's secondary team, Tsunoda faces uncertainty about his future as Honda, the team's works partner, is teaming up with Aston Martin starting in 2026.
Critics often point out Tsunoda's tendency to express his emotions too freely while driving. However, he has shown significant improvement this season, despite a momentary lapse in Bahrain.
"I don't shout so much over the radio anymore," he shared with Japanese reporters before his home race at Suzuka.
"I didn't think shouting caused me to lose concentration, but in Bahrain I felt that I overdid it a little bit, so I started to consciously try to improve my concentration in a more professional manner. I started to think that I need to show that I'm growing as a driver," Tsunoda elaborated.
"I want to grow even more and become a top driver and aim for the championship, so I keep that in mind when I press the button on the radio. It has become like that."
Dr Helmut Marko of Red Bull has praised Tsunoda for his evident growth, noting his superior performance over teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
"His problems were a lack of control, outbursts and a tendency to make mistakes. All of that has gone this season," remarked the senior advisor from the energy drink conglomerate.
Nevertheless, Marko emphasized that Tsunoda must continue to advance to be considered for a position with Red Bull Racing.
Tsunoda conveyed to Japanese media: "In the past two races, I felt that I was able to suppress my emotions naturally without having to press the radio button, and I was happy about that.
"By suppressing my emotions, I cooled down faster. I was also able to maintain my concentration."
For now, Tsunoda's concern is the impending weather conditions at the Japanese GP.
"I think the forecast says the weather won't be very good, so I'm worried about that," he said, managing a smile.
Regarding Tsunoda, Marko expressed to Austria's Laola1 his surprise at Ricciardo's difficulties competing against him this season.
"We are all puzzling over that," he observed. "He is generally slower than Yuki. Something never goes right with him, which is surprising, because things looked very good for him in the winter test."
The question arises: Is Tsunoda genuinely excelling, or is Ricciardo simply underperforming? Liam Lawson, eagerly awaiting his chance at RB, might shed light on this.
When asked about Tsunoda's potential for Red Bull Racing, Marko said: "You would have to compare him with another driver first. Because the question is, has Yuki become a high flyer or is Daniel weak?"
