“…than he did last year…”- Yuki Tsunoda gets a STERN warning from Formula 1 team boss Franz Tost

Franz Tost, the CEO of AlphaTauri, wants Yuki Tsunoda to achieve even higher points totals in 2023. Following Pierre Gasly’s departure for Alpine, the young driver may assume the position of de facto team captain for Red Bull Junior.

Later this year, Yuki Tsunoda will begin his third season with AlphaTauri after underwhelming in 2022. Tsunoda only finished in the top 10 four times throughout the season and was ranked 17th in the final drivers’ standings. Tost expects Yuki Tsunoda to finish in the top three on every race weekend in 2023 and to accrue points frequently.

Franz Tost: 'Yuki Tsunoda must score many more points than last year' https://t.co/bWnyn26b5W

— AutoGear (@AutoGear_) February 13, 2023

When introducing AlphaTauri’s 2023 rival, Tost said the following about Yuki Tsunoda:  “Yuki had trouble with the automobile last year. Yuki needs to always strive to be in Qualifying 3 and complete the races in the points this year since I anticipate that our vehicle will be fairly competitive.”

“He is a very highly-skilled driver and now has a lot of experience with two seasons in Formula 1. For this reason, of course, he has to score many more points than he did last year”.

This year, Pierre Gasly won’t be able to help the Japanese driver because the Frenchman has joined Alpine for the forthcoming season.

ALSO READ: Indian Formula E racer names Lewis Hamiltons’ replacement for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, post-retirement

Yuki Tsunoda is the target of Franz Tost’s high expectations for the upcoming 2023 season

Being so matter-of-fact is blatantly Tostian, the key to creating such a goal is his anticipation of the AT04. Therefore, the last statement actually has to be followed by “if the car is much better.”

At the same time, it is actually that easy. If Tost is correct and the AlphaTauri is closer to its peak in 2020 or 2021. Yuki Tsunoda will need to step up his game. He is aware of this and has established goals that line up with Tost’s.

The essential elements are in Yuki Tsunoda’s possession. Overall, last year was a step up from his challenging rookie campaign. In 2023, he will continue this work with ex-Daniel Ricciardo trainer Michael Italiano. He also attributes this improvement to his confidence regaining after the trials of F1 2021.

In 2022, Yuki Tsunoda seemed and sounded more serious, and if a similar change occurs this year, both he and Tost have reason to hope their joint objectives may be met – assuming, of course, that the vehicle is far better.

ALSO READ: McLaren boss forecasts significant improvements for the start of the 2023 F1 season