Tsunoda reveals Perez has been giving him advice in rookie F1 year

Tsunoda has endured an up and down rookie year so far, showing flashes of brilliance, while also crashing heavily on several occasions in qualifying.

The Japanese rookie scored points on his debut in Bahrain but didn’t score again until Azerbaijan.

Tsunoda crashed out of qualifying at Imola, Azerbaijan and Paul Ricard, and he crashed in FP3 at Monte Carlo.

The 21-year-old returned to the points last time out at the Styrian Grand Prix, finishing tenth behind Fernando Alonso.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Tsunoda explained how he doesn’t receive advice directly from teammate Pierre Gasly but says he studies his data and video footage to see if he can pick up any tips.

“I didn’t get direct advice from Pierre, like when we normally chat it’s not about racing,” Tsunoda said. “I just watch his data and I can see how he’s approaching on the onboard view or radio. I just watch those things to improve myself, inspired by him and just if there’s anything that I can take, I just always take but also I try.”

Given that AlphaTauri is Red Bull’s sister team, it’s no surprise to hear from Tsunoda that he has a good relationship with Perez and Max Verstappen.

He revealed how Perez reached out to him after his difficult Monaco and France weekends.

“Also the Red Bull drivers, especially from Sergio,” Tsunoda added. “Sergio gives me a lot of advice, especially after France or also Monaco. He gave me a message after I had such a really bad weekend, he messaged me with advice and also some of the positive words to me which makes me more motivated.

“I am really thankful to Sergio. Of course, and with Max we have four drivers in Red Bull. We have a really good relationship. I am going to keep pushing to improve and to be inspired by them.”