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Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda is a Japanese racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2021 to 2025, making his debut with Scuderia AlphaTauri.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yuki Tsunoda is a Japanese racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2021 to 2025. He made his debut with Scuderia AlphaTauri and is a Honda-backed driver and former member of the Red Bull Junior Team. Tsunoda won the 2018 Japanese Formula 4 Championship before progressing to Formula One.

Early life and junior racing

Tsunoda was born in Sagamihara, Japan, and raised in Tokyo. He began competitive karting at age nine, which marked the start of his racing career. He later moved into single-seater racing in Japan.

Formula 4 and Formula 2

Tsunoda won the 2018 Japanese Formula 4 Championship, establishing himself as a leading young prospect. In 2020, he finished third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, further demonstrating his talent and earning a promotion to Formula One.

Formula One career

Tsunoda made his Formula One debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix driving for AlphaTauri. He subsequently raced for the rebranded RB/Racing Bulls team and also drove for Red Bull Racing in 2025. At his debut, he became the youngest Japanese Formula One driver in history.

Tsunoda was part of both the Red Bull Junior Team and Honda's driver development programme. His career has been strongly associated with Japanese motorsport support programs, particularly through Honda's driver pathway.

Key facts

  • Started kart racing at age nine.
  • Won the 2018 Japanese Formula 4 Championship.
  • Finished third in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship.
  • Made his Formula One debut in 2021 with AlphaTauri.
  • Became the youngest Japanese Formula One driver in history at his debut.
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Canadian context

No major direct Canadian connection is established in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Yuki Tsunoda?
Yuki Tsunoda is a Japanese racing driver best known for competing in Formula One from 2021 to 2025.
When was Yuki Tsunoda born?
He was born on 11 May 2000.
Where is Yuki Tsunoda from?
He was born in Sagamihara, Japan, and was raised in Tokyo.
What did Yuki Tsunoda win before Formula One?
He won the 2018 Japanese Formula 4 Championship.
Which Formula One teams did Yuki Tsunoda drive for?
He drove for AlphaTauri, RB/Racing Bulls, and Red Bull Racing.
What is Yuki Tsunoda's connection to Honda?
He was part of Honda's driver development programme and has been supported by Honda-linked junior racing pathways.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuki_Tsunoda
    Supports: Birth place, early karting, and general career overview.
  2. Honda Global — https://global.honda/en/F1/driver/YukiTsunoda/
    Supports: Date of birth, nationality, and current/previous F1 team information.
  3. Formula 1 — https://www.formula1.com/en/drivers/yuki-tsunoda
    Supports: Place of birth and official driver profile.
  4. Red Bull — https://www.redbull.com/int-en/athlete/yuki-tsunoda
    Supports: Date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and career progression.
  5. Formula One History — https://www.formulaonehistory.com/drivers/yuki-tsunoda/
    Supports: F1 teams, debut season, career statistics, and start/end dates.
  6. Motorsport.com — https://www.motorsport.com/driver/yuki-tsunoda/828523/
    Supports: Career summary, debut season, and promotion history.