The Alpha Tauri driver Tsunoda enjoyed an eye-catching debut at Bahrain GP
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The 20-year-old Japanese sensation Yuki Tsunoda could not have hoped for a better Formula One debut. The Alpha Tauri driver ended up collecting points on his debut, finishing 9th at the Bahrain GP. After impressing in the testing session, Tsunoda had to settle for a 13th place in the qualifying. A slow start did not help his cause as he fell to the 16th spot. The Japanese driver recovered to become the first driver in five years to score points on his debut.
However, it was not the points, but the ability to overtake cars pleased the youngster. He was particularly thrilled in going past a two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso. “Overtaking a lot of cars was a really positive thing,” Tsunoda told Sky Sports F1 after the race.
He went on to explain how passing the veteran driver made him sentimental. “I got a bit emotional when I passed Fernando (Alonso). Last time I saw him I think it was 12 years ago, or 13 years ago and I was seven or eight years old,” he added.
“Into Turn One, I just trusted Fernando’s skills and just launched it like a rookie! I feel a bit sorry, actually it was really from quite far away! So that was emotional. Of course, it’s not the same car, but it was great.”
Tsunoda is of the opinion that he learnt aplenty from driving around with Alonso for few laps in the race. “I was of course aiming for Fernando and I drove with him a couple of laps and I learned from him how he managed the tyres, how he drives every corner,” he stated.
“After I passed him I tried to copy how he was driving and a couple of corners was better for my car as well,” he admitted. “Hopefully I don’t have to drive next time with him because I want to be more forward to start, although Fernando’s car situation is different! The things I learned from him was very big for the future.”
The Japanese driver also spoke about the massive admiration his father has for the 39-year-old Spaniard. “My father is quite a big Fernando fan, especially his driving style. My father likes how he drives – I think the first time he saw him was in Suzuka and he said he was the best driver on the grid,” said Tsunoda.
