In an unique interview with Paddock Journal, Japan’s F1 hero, Yuki Tsunoda, revealed the highest three areas wherein he has improved probably the most since his F1 debut. And, extra importantly, is he prepared for a high seat? Let’s discover out!
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There have been some ups and downs when it comes to automobile efficiency this season, however you scored greater than twice the variety of factors your teammate scored [till the Spanish GP]. Is that this your strongest season in System 1 up to now?
Yuki Tsunoda: Sure, I might say so. Clearly, the general result’s at all times a mixture of automobile efficiency and your efficiency. Final 12 months was already respectable, however we struggled lots with the automobile’s efficiency. To reply your query, that might be a sure. I’m in excellent form now, and I’d additionally like to focus on my mentality and strategy to how I’m going into the race weekend. That is my greatest season in System 1 up to now.
Out of your perspective, what are the principle components behind your spectacular efficiency this 12 months?
YT: Self-control and stress administration are two of the principle components behind my spectacular efficiency this 12 months. I focus extra on the suggestions from the engineers, and I at all times attempt to management myself within the automobile in order to not lose focus. Since Saudi Arabia, I’ve made additional progress when it comes to controlling my feelings, and up to now, it’s been comparatively constant. So yeah, enhancing self-control and stress administration helped me develop how I construct up the race weekend and focus solely on driving and suggestions, which ultimately enhances my efficiency.
That is my greatest season in System 1 up to now
Yuki Tsunoda
You touched on the offended radio outbursts – you’ve acquired a brand new efficiency coach for this 12 months. Does John additionally allow you to with the psychological aspect of issues? And generally, how necessary is a coach within the each day lifetime of an F1 driver?
YT: Self-control is one thing that I used to be engaged on final 12 months as effectively, so it’s indirectly coming from John. Really, Michael (Italiano) helped me quite a bit with that earlier than. As for John, I particularly like his strategy; he helped me lots mentally. He’s giving me plenty of optimistic vitality, and it’s at all times enjoyable to speak with him. I’ve an excellent relationship with him outdoors the racetrack as effectively. You’re primarily within the engineering room, within the automobile, or chatting with the media. Each time I need to have some enjoyable intervals, I can discuss with him; he’s the man who can maintain me mentally calm and constant. John is supportive and my relationship with the physio shouldn’t be all about enterprise and coaching; it’s extra like a friendship. We’re very open to one another.
Based mostly on pure statistics, Daniel Ricciardo is your strongest teammate up to now. Is he the hardest one to beat?
YT: It’s arduous to say. I’m pondering between Pierre and Daniel. Whereas driving alongside Pierre, I wasn’t within the form I’m in proper now. Pierre is unquestionably sturdy, similar to Daniel. He’s very constant, and I can inform he has plenty of expertise and a successful mindset – he’s gained 8 races in System 1. I can’t examine him with Pierre; they’re each highly effective drivers. On the similar time, I may study many issues from them; nevertheless, each are completely different characters. I had an excellent relationship with Pierre, each on and off observe. He was a superb teammate initially of my F1 profession. I’m very lucky that I may work alongside Pierre for 3 years. Now, with Daniel, I believe it was good timing for me as a result of, ultimately, I need to constantly enhance myself as a driver. Considered one of Daniel’s strengths is his mindset—it’s very constant. He doesn’t get bothered with something, so each are very sturdy drivers.
He [Daniel Ricciardo], brings plenty of smiles and optimistic vitality to the engineering room
Yuki Tsunoda
What’s it prefer to work with Daniel? Is he additionally easygoing throughout inside conferences?
YT: Sure, he’s. He brings plenty of smiles and optimistic vitality to the engineering room. He’s very mature, and I respect him lots. He’s easygoing, and constructing a very good relationship with him is simple. His former teammates in all probability share the identical opinion.
Dr. Marko just lately stated that you just’re a high driver. Nonetheless, he can typically be robust on drivers—is he only a brutally sincere individual?
YT: He’s only a very open individual and doesn’t say any nonsense. He cares lots about drivers, which is an efficient factor. On the similar time, typically he might be difficult, however he’s simply being open and sincere. All in all, he’s a really open individual, and he’s by no means hiding something. Some drivers would possibly take it very strictly, however I believe he’s only a very open and useful individual.
Do you are feeling prepared for a seat at a high workforce?
YT: Sure, anytime. I’m prepared for that; I’m assured in my talents, and I’m decided to maintain on proving that I’m prepared and deserve a high seat.
Are you able to identify the highest 3 areas wherein you’ve improved probably the most since your System 1 debut?
YT: Self-control is unquestionably a kind of areas. Let me suppose, that’s a very troublesome query… The opposite two can be stress administration and teamwork.
I’m decided to maintain on proving that I’m prepared and deserve a high seat.
Yuki Tsunoda
How necessary is it mentally that your contract was prolonged early within the season?
YT: Truthfully, I can’t really feel that it diminished the stress or something. After all, it feels good to have a contract for subsequent 12 months, however I wasn’t stressing about it. Normally, there’s at all times stress right here, whatever the context of your contract. It’s a very good factor that I don’t have to consider the contract extension anymore, so there’s one much less to consider. Ultimately, it helps to be extra targeted on the precise work with the workforce and the standard of suggestions.
We regularly see you sporting very modern garments. Do you’ve a favorite model, and what number of garments do you’ve in your wardrobe?
YT: My favorite model just lately is Sacai, a Japanese model. They’re collaborating with some very well-known individuals. It’s getting greater and larger – then again, it’s getting costlier because of their collaborations. The worth improve is just a little bit unhappy, however I like Sacai. Apart from that, in my view, all branded garments have turn out to be very costly, so I additionally like to purchase just a few random stuff. I like going round and purchasing in London and shopping for random stuff that I’ve by no means seen or heard about. As for my wardrobe, I’m not fully certain what number of garments I’ve as a result of I’m not shopping for many random clothes. I like sticking to a number of manufacturers, however I’ve over 50 or 100 garments.
