Tsunoda could replace Perez in 2025 - Tost
"It’s not his fault that we aren’t competitive yet"
Yuki Tsunoda could be ready to be Max Verstappen’s teammate by 2025.
That is the view of Franz Tost, boss of the second Red Bull-owned team Alpha Tauri.
Japanese Tsunoda, 22, has been a rough diamond since his debut in 2021, leading many to surmise that 2023 may be his third and final year to shine.
"Yuki drove two extremely strong races so far," Tost told Sport1. "I am very happy with him.
"It’s not his fault that we aren’t competitive yet."
As for Tsunoda’s rookie teammate Nyck de Vries, Tost is not yet passing judgement.
"He is a rookie and still needs time," said the Austrian. "But I expected that."
Tsunoda, however, is fast approaching readiness to replace the highly experienced Sergio Perez and become world champion Verstappen’s teammate at the top Red Bull team.
"As far as I know, Sergio Perez still has a contract for next year," Tost said.
"All I can say is that Yuki is on the right track. He has improved in every respect. But I think he should drive at Alpha Tauri again in 2024.
"In 2025, I think he will finally be ready for Red Bull."
RB F1 Team - Visa Cash App
Chassis change working out for embattled Ricciardo
Marko not ruling out dropping Ricciardo within 2024
Steiner linked with buy-out of Red Bull’s second F1 team
Lawson could replace Ricciardo soon - van der Garde
More on RB F1 Team - Visa Cash App
Red Bull
Checo can be in F1 for ten more years - father
Upgrades keep McLaren on path to beating Red Bull
Ferrari scrambles to prepare updates for Miami, Imola
2025 F1 ’silly season’ nearing boiling point
’Almost everything’ points at new Perez deal - Marko
More on Red Bull