Yuki Tsunoda explains why there's not a "big difference" in driving and performance between him and Max Verstappen 

AlphaTauri F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda is eyeing the second seat at Red Bull as he wishes to drive the same car as three-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen.

Both Tsunoda and Verstappen have led their respective teams this season, while their teammates have struggled for consistency. The Red Bull driver has won 13 races in 2023, while Tsunoda has extracted the most of the machinery, scoring three points finishes for AlphaTauri.

While two drivers usually occupy different ends of the grid, the Japanese driver went to the extent of claiming that there isn't a big performance difference between himself and the 2023 F1 champion.

"I would like to drive in the same car," Tsunoda was quoted by Total Motorsport. "Because I don’t know, obviously it’s hard, he’s good. But same time, we never drive together and obviously the car is different. So it’s hard to say about the driving difference."

He added:

"As driving and as a performance in dry conditions or in qualifying, I wouldn’t say for now that we have big difference. Of course, the consistency is definitely better."

The AlphaTauri driver hailed the Dutchman's adaptability and consistency and was particularly impressed by the reigning champion's victory in Netherlands under changing weather.

He further heaped praise on Verstappen, saying:

"And he’s always on the limit, I think he’s always able to drive really fast and control the car. I think those things are definitely the difference to me and where I have to work on to reach the Red Bull."

While the 23-year-old reckons he can take on Max Verstappen in a straight fight, he admits there is plenty to learn from the three-time champion.

With Red Bull's second driver Sergio Perez failing to put together consistent results every week, Tsunoda finds himself in a prime position to take one of the most coveted seats in F1 and soon drive alongside Max Verstappen.

---

Red Bull boss clears rumors regarding Yuki Tsunoda's future

Yuki Tsunoda is currently backed by both Red Bull and its engine supplier Honda.

With the Japanese manufacturer switching alliances with Aston Martin in 2026 coupled with Lance Stroll's recent struggles, it was rumored that Tsunoda would join the Silverstone-based team, sooner rather than later.

Red Bull head honcho Helmut Marko addressed the rumors as he stated that any F1 team interested in Yuki Tsunoda's services had to reach an agreement with Red Bull.

"Tsunoda is under contract with us," Marko told F1-Insider in Germany. "If Aston Martin were interested in him as early as next year, they would first have to come to an agreement with us."

Yuki Tsunoda recently signed an extension deal with AlphaTauri, and he remains under contract with Red Bull for 2024. If Tsunoda was to leave the team, it would be a similar deal to how Alpine poached Pierre Gasly from AlphaTauri last season.