Yuki Tsunoda says Crimson Bull crew principal Christian Horner advised him to be ready in case of a promotion earlier than his seat swap with Liam Lawson was confirmed,
Crimson Bull opted to interchange Lawson after simply two races of the 2025 season; the New Zealander failing to get out of Q1 in both occasion and never troubling the factors. Tsunoda bought the nod to make the step up final week, and mentioned Horner had advised him of the chance previous to finalizing the choice.
“I can’t say particular particulars, to be sincere,” Tsunoda mentioned. “The primary name I bought was from Christian Horner after China, saying possibly be ready, issues may change a bit bit. That was round Monday or Tuesday.
“I used to be within the UK for preparation for Suzuka – that was already deliberate. I did a simulator session with Crimson Bull Racing, at that time it was simply in case. Inside two or three days within the UK, he confirmed it in particular person. In order that was sort of the timeline. I can’t say when particularly however that was the timeline.”
Tsunoda mentioned Horner wished him to maintain the chance he could be promoted to himself, however he has since acquired messages from former Crimson Bull drivers after the information was made official.
“He wished me to be very confidential, so actually I didn’t name anybody … I actually didn’t say something, not even to my mother and father,” he mentioned. “Really, I advised them possibly the day earlier than the information got here out.
“I bought a message from Pierre [Gasly], that he wished to name me in regards to the expertise he had in Crimson Bull, in regards to the issues he ought to have performed in Crimson Bull, and he wished to share a few concepts he thought might work for the approaching races in Crimson Bull. That was very good of him, and really helpful suggestions.
“I additionally bought help from Checo [Perez] as properly. All Crimson Bull household drivers gave me supportive messages. These two have been very supportive to me, and I actually respect it. They’re drivers I respect lots, so I’m very completely satisfied.”
On Thursday Tsunoda revealed he had but to talk to Helmut Marko about his transfer, later discovering he had missed a name from the Crimson Bull advisor. Horner, in the meantime, has given the Japanese driver clear directions as to what’s anticipated of him.
“Principally, be as near Max as potential, which anyway offers good outcomes for the crew, additionally it permits the crew to help different methods within the race,” Tsunoda mentioned. “They’ve clearly mentioned the principle precedence is Max, which I fully perceive, as a result of he’s a four-time world champion and up to now already in the previous couple of races even in troublesome conditions he carried out properly.
“Additionally, to assist the event as properly with my suggestions. They have been very proud of my suggestions in Abu Dhabi, so simply proceed that. However the principle precedence is to be near Max – which gained’t be simple, for certain.”
Given his first race for Crimson Bull is his dwelling grand prix at Suzuka, Tsunoda mentioned it’s an ideal state of affairs for him to get the prospect to attempt to battle nearer the entrance over the past 12 months of the Honda partnership.
“Actually trying ahead to it – it may well’t be crazier than this example,” he mentioned. “First race in Crimson Bull Racing and on high of it, a house grand prix. I feel it’s the most effective state of affairs ever. I’m simply excited. Simulator went properly. I spent just a few days in Tokyo, which was actually busy, however on the identical time I used to be in a position to spend it with associates as properly. So, actually good up to now.”
