Yuki Tsunoda in Japan

Tsunoda throws caution to wind: 'I'm just gonna push flat out'

06:54, 06 Apr

Updated: 06:55, 06 Apr

byNorberto Mujica

After a tricky qualifying session that saw him exit prematurely in Q2, Yuki Tsunoda will switch approach to a more aggressive one since he 'needs to score points'.

It may not have been the best of qualifying sessions for the Japanese driver, but he's not letting that setback take the shine off what is a special day for him, as he makes his Red Bull Racing debut in Honda colours at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix.

"[I'm] very honoured. Everything came together [for] this moment. You can't imagine. 65th anniversary for Honda, last cooperation year for Red Bull and Honda. [I'm] very happy that I was able to jump into the car in such a beautiful moment and hopefully I can have a good race day," said Tsunoda to Sky Sports.

How exactly does Tsunoda plan on doing that, seeing as he's starting from P14? Urged by the need to put some points up on the board for Red Bull, the Japanese will adopt a risky approach for the upcoming race.

Tsunoda drives RB21 at Suzuka

"I'm just going to pause for the learning phase now. I just gotta push flat out. I need to score points. Obviously, it won't be easy. And I think so far I have pretty good progress in terms of learning. So, I just have to put it all together in the race. With this kind of tricky weather, anything can happen. I just want to finish the race and be happy."