Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda has made a big leap in his Formula 1 career by becoming Red Bull Racing’s new regular driver for the 2025 season. But in the midst of his rise, he has not forgotten one of the key figures in his path: Mexico’s Sergio “Checo” Pérez, whom he describes as a sort of father figure within the paddock.
In a recent interview for F1 TV, Tsunoda, 24, shared how Checo Pérez has supported him since his early years in the category. The bond between the two was strengthened when the Mexican, an F1 veteran with more than 250 Grand Prix appearances, welcomed him as a younger brother when they were both part of Red Bull’s development program: “Checo sent me a very nice message when my arrival at Red Bull was confirmed. He said, ‘Congratulations. If you need to know anything about the team or the car, I’m here for you.’ That kind of gesture means a lot,” said Yuki Tsunoda.
The change that brought him to Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to Red Bull after Liam Lawson, who had briefly replaced Checo Perez at the end of 2024, failed to establish himself in the top seat.
Perez’s departure came after a difficult season, but left a deep impression on his teammates, especially Yuki Tsunoda, who had previously raced for Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri).
(Checo Pérez) He was like a father in many ways
Yuki Tsunoda
“Checo was always there to support me, even in 2021, when I was going through difficult times. He was sending me messages, reminding me to trust me and move forward step by step, the Japanese added.
Relationship that transcends the track
Buzzy
For many in the Formula 1 environment, the relationship between drivers is usually limited to the professional.
But the case of Yuki Tsunoda and Checo Perez is different.
Their connection has been close and constant, even when they did not share the same team.
Checo’s attitude reflects the maturity of a driver who, despite his departure from Red Bull, remains a highly respected figure in the paddock.
As Yuki Tsunoda begins this new phase as Max Verstappen’s teammate, many Latino fans celebrate the positive influence that Checo has had on the new generations.
Although the Mexican is no longer at Red Bull, his legacy continues through drivers like Tsunoda.
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