AUSTIN, Texas
Formula 1 is filled with well-known personalities, and Hiroki Tsunoda stands out as one of the most popular among fans.
The Japanese driver has garnered significant attention, both on the track and through social media. His media session on Thursday at the American Grand Prix attracted a lot of support, resulting in a packed audience at Red Bull’s hospitality area.
As the American Grand Prix approaches, Tsunoda sat down for an interview to discuss his season in 2025, field questions from fans, and share his goals as the year comes to a close.
Tsunoda’s 2025 Season and Red Bull Transfer
Tsundoda began this season with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, but after just two races, he got the call he had been longing for: a promotion to Red Bull, where he now shares the track with Max Verstappen.
Thinking back on the season, Tsunoda mentioned the challenges he faced. “This has likely been one of the toughest years of my career, but it’s also been the year where I’ve grown the most,” he shared. “Racing locally added a special touch. My first race was also one of the hardest.” He added, “I never thought my local Grand Prix would become my debut race with Oracle Red Bull Racing.”
He described the hurdles he experienced with the car’s characteristics, especially during long runs. “There were moments I felt a disconnect between my expectations and reality. However, I do believe I’m improving lately, particularly in handling that aspect. I’ve realized this year has strengthened me, helping me figure out my strengths and weaknesses.”
When he learned about his transfer, Tsunoda reflected on wanting this opportunity for a long time, yet he also acknowledged past frustrations when he felt overlooked. “This is the position I’ve always craved. Last year, I thought it might happen, but it didn’t. That was disheartening. However, those setbacks pushed me to grow stronger and more determined as a driver,” he admitted. “Now, stepping into Oracle Red Bull Racing, especially alongside Max, is something I’ve always wanted.”
The promotion came after the second race of the season, just before his home race in Japan.
On discussing his Red Bull debut at home, he remarked, “It was a truly special experience. The pressure of joining Oracle Red Bull Racing already weighed on me, but making my debut at my home Grand Prix added even more significance.” Tsunoda reminisced about once watching another Red Bull driver from the stands. “Years ago, while watching Sebastian Vettel win the World Championship in an Oracle Red Bull Racing car, I dreamed of being behind the wheel of one of those winning cars. Twelve years down the line, racing in that car before my Japanese fans was surreal, especially coming out of the pit lane for the first time.”
When he began the season with VCARB, Laurent Mekies was his team principal, but after the British Grand Prix, changes followed. With Mekies moving to Red Bull, Tsunoda was eager to discuss their collaboration.
“He’s a fun person to work with. We’ve made great strides since he joined the team last year,” Tsunoda said. “Despite tough periods during the season, he kept the team strong. He’s very approachable and we’ve spent considerable time together.”
He emphasized Mekies’ engineering knowledge. “He once asked the engineering team to try a setup from a car I previously drove and liked. I didn’t think it would work since it was different, but it actually did. That level of insight is incredibly valuable.”
The Importance of Data and Communication in F1
Data and communication play crucial roles in achieving success in Formula 1.
Red Bull collaborates with AT&T as an innovation partner, providing data support for optimal performance on the track. Tsunoda discussed this relationship and how it facilitates Red Bull’s performance every race weekend.
He explained, “The network instantly connects telemetry from the garage to engineers in Milton Keynes. It’s astonishing to think about. If that network wasn’t in place, we’d find ourselves in quite a bind. It allows us to monitor everything about the car, which is vital for reliability and performance.”
“This setup benefits me as well, as engineers quickly see my performance compared to others, helping me identify areas to improve. Without that real-time feedback, reacting swiftly would be far more challenging,” he added.
When asked about communication during races, Tsunoda reflected on the amount of information drivers receive. “It can be quite overwhelming. There’s constant feedback through the headset, and if something goes awry with the car, immediate reactions are crucial since everything is so sensitive,” he commented.
He noted that the closeness of the current F1 field adds to the pressure. “Every millisecond matters, but that communication enables us to find the time we need to optimize our lap times and race performances.”
“The margins are razor-thin currently; sometimes just a few tenths separate first from 20th. Those little gains can add up significantly over a race. Engineers provide instant feedback we rely on–those tiny improvements could translate into crucial seconds across 60 laps,” he said.
As we conversed, we invited readers to share questions, leading us into Tsunoda’s most cherished moments in F1.
“There are a few highlights. My first race in Bahrain in 2021 stands out because it was my F1 debut, where I finished ninth and scored points. That was, undoubtedly, a dream realized,” Tsunoda shared. “Then, there was my fourth place at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; I was so close to the podium but made a minor mistake on the final lap. I do regret it a bit, but it was a learning moment, and of course, joining Oracle Red Bull Racing and racing at my home Grand Prix has been another significant moment.”
Another question raised about what aspects of the RB21 he still wanted to explore delved into his confidence levels.
“In F1, confidence in your car is everything. Building that is tough, especially during the season with limited sessions. While my confidence is increasing, I’m still not quite at the level I aspire to be. But I’m certain that once I reach that point, my performance will naturally improve,” he said.
Tsunoda’s culinary interests are well-known, as is his passion for cooking and esports. Responding to a question about dishes he loves but hesitates to make, he said, “Honestly, I’ve been fortunate enough to try everything I’ve wanted, so nothing comes to mind that I’m hesitant about.”
Someone else asked whether he had considered any unique helmet designs but hadn’t pursued them yet. “I think chrome would be awesome,” he replied. “I’ve done that before, but I’d love to explore it more in the future.”
When asked about his favorite Red Bull flavor, Tsunoda said simply, “Classic, but sugar-free.”
2025 USGP and the Rest of the F1 Season
As our conversation neared its end, I asked Tsunoda about the US Grand Prix and his thoughts on the remainder of the 2025 season, with drivers sharing a fondness for the Circuit of the Americas.
“I genuinely enjoy this track. It’s an old-school layout with minimal run-off areas, creating a thrilling experience. The first sector, with its high-speed chicane, is a particular highlight; if you hit one corner right, it sets you up nicely for the next one,” he explained.
He liked how the track balances slow, medium, and fast corners, with elevation changes adding to the excitement. “It’s always exhilarating and fun to navigate,” he said.
Reflecting on expectations for the upcoming races and the remainder of the season, Tsunoda concluded, “I aim to keep improving and building that confidence level in the car. Once I achieve that, the results will follow naturally. For now, it’s about continuing to enjoy the racing experience.”
