Unexpected Formula 1 comeback at Zandvoort: Yuki Tsunoda was on holiday

For Yuki Tsunoda, a long-cherished wish has come true at the end of the Formula 1 summer break: he is returning to the starting grid of the premier class. However, this is only temporary, as he will be taking the wheel of Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson’s GP car. The New Zealander, meanwhile, is moving up to the Red Bull Racing team to chase points alongside Max Verstappen. This is because Isack Hadjar has injured his wrist, which prevents him from taking part in the Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort.

Tsunoda was on holiday when the crucial call came through, as he explained in the paddock at the Dünenkurs: “I was on the beach in Greece with my manager and some friends. But I wasn’t just lazing about – I was still training. Anyway, when I got the call, I was sitting on the beach and feeling pretty relaxed, just gazing out at the sea.”

“They told me I had to go to the UK, and I’d only been in Greece for 24 hours, so I asked why I should come back. They said I might be racing this week. And of course I said I’d come back,” reported the Red Bull reserve driver.

“It came as a real surprise,” emphasised Tsunoda. “And I’m feeling quite calm now and looking forward to the race. Because I’ve been waiting for this moment; I’ve been longing for it,” added the 26-year-old. He is certain: “Both physically and mentally, I think I’m ready to race. After all, I’ve been training every day for a very long time now; I’ve had plenty of time for it, as I haven’t been doing much else.”

“I just need to get used to the car, because I think it’ll feel quite different to the one from last year.” The fact that there’s only one practice session due to the sprint format makes things very tricky. “That’s why I don’t have overly high expectations,” Tsunoda also revealed.

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