(Motorsport) Formula 1 team AlphaTauri has retained Yuki Tsunoda for the 2023 season. The 22 year old driver made his debut for Red Bull’s sister team in 2021 and it remains to be seen who his partner for the next season will be as Pierre Gasly has been linked with a move to Alpine. If the Frenchman does leave AlphaTauri, Dutchman Nyck de Vries could be a potential replacement and the 27 year old has previously won the Formula E World Championship in 2020/21, 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship and the 2010 and 2011 Karting World Championships.

Speaking after his contract renewal, Tsunoda said “I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in Formula 1. Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023. Of course, our 2022 season isn't over yet and we're still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I'm fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year." 

The Japanese driver has finished in the top 10 three times this season and is currently 16th in the standings with 11 points compared to Gasly’s 22. AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost said: "As we've seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season. The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022. As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula One, so I'm pleased he's been given the time to show his full potential." 

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