Yuki Tsunoda, born on May 11, 2000, in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan, is a dynamic Formula 1 driver who has carved a name for himself as a tenacious and talented competitor. Standing at just 5 feet 2 inches, Tsunoda is the shortest driver on the F1 grid, but his aggressive driving style and bold personality have made him a standout figure in the sport.
A product of both the Honda Formula Dream Project and the Red Bull Junior Team, Tsunoda represents Japan with pride, becoming the first Japanese driver in Formula 1 since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014. Known for his fiery radio exchanges and cult following, Tsunoda’s journey from karting at age four to racing alongside world champions like Max Verstappen reflects his relentless ambition and skill.
Yuki Tsunoda parents
Yuki’s parents, Nobuaki and Minako Tsunoda, have been instrumental in shaping his racing career, providing unwavering support despite modest financial means. Nobuaki Tsunoda, a former gymkhana racer and businessman, introduced Yuki to motorsport at the tender age of four, taking him to the Nakai Inter Circuit to try karting. Nobuaki’s passion for racing fueled Yuki’s early interest, and he took on multiple roles as Yuki’s mechanic and coach during his karting years, teaching him critical skills like braking techniques that remain integral to his driving style today. Nobuaki’s involvement extended beyond technical guidance, as he leveraged his business connections to secure Yuki’s entry into the Honda Formula Dream Project, a pivotal step in his career.
Minako Tsunoda, a homemaker, played an equally vital role by providing emotional and household stability, allowing Yuki to focus on racing. Though less visible in the public eye, Minako’s quiet support ensured the family remained united in pursuit of Yuki’s dreams. The Tsunoda family’s sacrifices, including funding Yuki’s expensive racing career despite not being wealthy, highlight their dedication. Additionally, Yuki’s younger sister, Miu Tsunoda, a competitive racer in the Japanese Formula 4 Championship, underscores the family’s deep-rooted passion for motorsport.
Career
Tsunoda’s motorsport journey began in 2005 when he first raced karts at Nakai Inter Circuit, quickly showing promise by winning regional and national karting titles. In 2016, at age 16, he transitioned to single-seater racing through the Honda Formula Dream Project, debuting in the F4 Japanese Championship with a podium finish. By 2017, he claimed the JAF F4 East Series title and finished third in the national championship, followed by a dominant 2018 season where he won the F4 Japanese Championship with seven victories. His success caught the attention of Red Bull, who signed him to their junior team, prompting a move to Europe in 2019. That year, Tsunoda competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Jenzer Motorsport, finishing ninth with a breakthrough podium at Spa-Francorchamps, and also raced in the Euroformula Open Championship.
In 2020, he shone in Formula 2 with Carlin, securing three wins and third place in the championship, earning the Anthoine Hubert Award as the top rookie. This performance secured his Formula 1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021, where he scored points in his first race at the Bahrain Grand Prix and achieved a career-best fourth place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Tsunoda remained with AlphaTauri (later rebranded as Racing Bulls) through 2024, consistently scoring points and showcasing his speed. In 2025, after strong early-season performances, including a sixth-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint, he was promoted to Red Bull Racing to replace Liam Lawson starting at the Japanese Grand Prix, partnering with Max Verstappen.
Accolades
Tsunoda’s career is marked by several notable achievements that highlight his talent and potential. In 2017, he won the JAF F4 East Series championship, establishing himself as a rising star in Japanese motorsport. The following year, he clinched the 2018 F4 Japanese Championship with seven wins, showcasing his dominance. In 2020, his third-place finish in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, coupled with three race victories, earned him the prestigious Anthoine Hubert Award for the best rookie.
Tsunoda’s Formula 1 debut in 2021 was historic, as he became the first Japanese driver to score points on his debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ninth. His fourth-place finish at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains his best F1 result to date. Over his F1 career, Tsunoda has accumulated 28 points finishes, with consistent performances in the 2024 season, including an eighth-place result at the Monaco Grand Prix. His promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2025, a rare opportunity to race alongside a four-time world champion, underscores his growing stature in the sport.