Yuki Tsunoda said that the director of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, told him to prepare for promotion before his headquarters exchange with Liam Lawson was confirmed,
Red Bull has chosen to replace Lawson after only two races of the 2025 season; The New Zealander did not come out of the first trimester in the two events and not disturbing the points. Tsunoda obtained the wink to take the plunge last week, and said that Horner had told him about the possibility before finalizing the decision.
“I can’t say specific details to be honest,” said Tsunoda. “The first call I received was Christian Horner after China, saying maybe things could change a little. It was there Monday or Tuesday.
“I was in the United Kingdom for the preparation of Suzuka – it was already planned. I did a simulator session with Red Bull Racing, at that time, it was just in case. In two or three days in the United Kingdom, he confirmed it in person. It was therefore in a way the chronology. I cannot say when specifically, but it was the chronology. ”
Tsunoda said Horner wanted him to keep the possibility that he was promoted for himself, but he has since received messages from former Red Bull drivers after the news was formalized.
“He wanted me to be very confidential, so literally I did not call anyone … I really said nothing, not even my parents,” he said. “In fact, I may have told them the day before the release of the news.
“I received a message from Pierre (Gasly), whom he wanted to call me about the experience he had to Red Bull, about the things he should have done to Red Bull, and he wanted to share some ideas that he thought he could work for the coming races to Red Bull. It was very kind of him and very useful advice.
“I also obtained the support of Checo (Perez). All the pilots of the Red Bull family have given me support messages. These two were very favorable to me, and I really appreciate it. These are drivers that I respect a lot, so I am very happy. ”
Thursday, Tsunoda revealed that he had not yet spoken to Helmut Marko of his move, later noting that he had missed a call from the counselor of Red Bull. Horner, on the other hand, gave the Japanese driver clear instructions on what is expected of him.
“Basically, be as close as possible to Max, which gives good results for the team anyway, it also allows the team to support other race strategies,” said Tsunoda. “They clearly said that the main priority was max, which I understand perfectly, because it is quadruple world champion and so far in the last races, even in difficult situations, it has performed well.
“Also, to help development also with my comments. They were very satisfied with my comments to Abu Dhabi, so just continue. But the main priority is to be close to Max – which will not be easy, that’s for sure.”
Given his first race for Red Bull is his home grand prize in Suzuka, Tsunoda said that it was a perfect scenario for him to get the chance to try to fight closer to the last year of the Honda partnership.
“Really impatiently-it cannot be crazier than this situation,” he said. “The first race at Red Bull Racing and in addition, a Grand Prix at home. I think this is the best situation of all time.