Yuki Tsunoda revealed in an interview on the Talking Bulls podcast an important figure in his Formula 1 career: Daniel Ricciardo.

Ricciardo’s influence is rooted in their time as teammates, with Ricciardo’s seasoned perspective helping Tsunoda navigate the intense pressures and nuances of Formula 1 racing.

Their relationship illustrates how veteran drivers can provide invaluable advice and emotional support to emerging talents in the sport.

From Teammates to Trusted Mentorship

Tsunoda and Ricciardo were teammates in the Red Bull sister team during the 2023 and 2024 seasons—a period crucial for Tsunoda’s adaptation to F1’s elite environment.

Ricciardo’s departure from Racing Bulls after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix marked the end of their official pairing, but Tsunoda’s respect and the mentor connection remain robust.

Such mentorships are essential in F1, where drivers face relentless technical challenges and intense competition. Ricciardo’s experience as an eight-time Grand Prix winner offered Tsunoda a strategic and psychological edge.

The Broader Context of Tsunoda’s Team Experiences

Alongside Ricciardo, Tsunoda reflected on other significant comradeships, including with Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, and Max Verstappen.

However, his distinction of Ricciardo as a "mentor" stresses the elevated role he played, going beyond teamwork to personal development. Tsunoda’s journey showcases how nurturing driver relationships contribute not just to racing skills but to building confidence and professionalism essential for long-term success in Formula 1.

Yuki Tsunoda’s tribute to Daniel Ricciardo highlights a less visible but impactful aspect of Formula 1: the mentorship and legacy drivers foster within their teams, shaping the future stars of the sport.

This dynamic serves as a reminder that behind every young driver’s rise, there often stands a veteran quietly paving the way.