RB driver Yuki Tsunoda, despite outperforming Daniel Ricciardo in the 2024 season, remains on the cusp of advancement with Red Bull. In light of this, 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill has offered some career advice to the Japanese driver on the F1 Nation podcast. Hill suggested that Tsunoda should consider reaching out to Aston Martin, especially as Honda, who has supported him throughout his F1 career, is set to partner with the team in 2026.
Damon Hill commented on Red Bull’s decision making behind Sergio Perez’s extension with the team. He explained:
“If I was him I’d be on the phone to Aston Martin because he’s Japanese and they’ve got Honda coming.”
The former champion went on to stress Tsunoda’s impressive performance, which seemingly hasn’t been enough for a promotion within Red Bull.
Damon Hill during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. Damon Hill urges Tsunoda to consider Aston Martin amid Honda connections.
Damon Hill during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2024 in Spa, Belgium. Damon Hill urges Tsunoda to consider Aston Martin amid Honda connections.
Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
“He’s right in saying that I can’t understand it and it doesn’t make any sense.”
Hill pointed out the apparent close relationship between Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo, suggesting it could influence team decisions.
“When you see pictures of Max leaving the circuit in a helicopter with Daniel Ricciardo, and there’s all smiles. You get the feeling of Danny Ric and Max. Max would be quite happy with Danny Ric as a teammate.
“If his power is such in that team he can almost influence that decision then I do think the pressure is on to get Danny in there.”
Although speculation around Ricciardo and Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson potentially replacing Perez stirred within fan communities, the Austrian team has confirmed the Mexican driver will retain his position, largely banking on his proven track record at specific circuits like Baku and Singapore to help him reclaim form. Meanwhile, Ricciardo seems to have received a “second lease of life” according to Hill:
“They’ve given him a second lease of life by encouraging him. His performances have been getting stronger. There’s no question about it.”
Tsunoda has spoken about the possibility of joining Red Bull in the future. He explained, as quoted by Formula1.com:
“If they choose Liam, that would be weird.
“But for me at least, I don’t think [it will happen]. For sure Liam did a really good job when he drove in the team, but I think I did more than that. We’ll see how it goes. In the end, they [Red Bull] know how to manage drivers.
“I’m feeling ready compared to obviously the last three years to fight against the top few teams in higher positions, even with Max or whatever. But in the end, they [Red Bull] are the ones who are going to decide and it’s not one of those things I can control. So I’m just focusing on what I have to do in the next few races.”
Source link : https://www.newsweek.com/sports/formula1/damon-hill-advises-yuki-tsunoda-consider-team-away-rb-amid-connections-1934923
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Publish date : 2024-08-05 23:00:56
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