Yuki Tsunoda recently responded to the revelation that he is one of Oscar Piastri’s mother, Nicole Piastri’s, favorite drivers. The Red Bull Racing driver expressed his gratitude toward Nicole for her encouragement in a podcast discussion that highlighted this unexpected support during the current Formula 1 season.

Nicole Piastri, well-known within the F1 community as the mother of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, has gained recognition for her active presence on social media and supportive posts about her son and other drivers, including Tsunoda. During a podcast appearance, she shared that Tsunoda is among her preferred drivers, alongside her son, drawing attention across the sport.

When Tsunoda was informed about Nicole’s support, he admitted awareness of it and took a moment to thank her for standing behind him, especially during difficult times.

“I did I think. I think it was last year? I saw that she was supporting me, I think she gave a nice message after I had an accident or whatever. Yeah, I just wanted to say thank you, I guess, to her.”

—Yuki Tsunoda, F1 Driver

Reflecting on his current performance compared to Oscar Piastri, who is becoming a title contender heading into 2025, Tsunoda acknowledged the need to elevate his pace and competitiveness.

“I think I have to pick up the pace a little bit more to reach that level. But I will, I will.”

—Yuki Tsunoda, F1 Driver

Starting the 2025 season with Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, Tsunoda was promoted early in the year to Red Bull’s main squad after a driver swap with Liam Lawson. This move positioned him alongside reigning world champion Max Verstappen, marking a crucial step in his career. Despite this, Tsunoda has yet to fully settle into the RB21 car or consistently deliver strong results for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Understanding the Stakes at Red Bull Racing

Tsunoda is aware of the fierce environment at Red Bull, where driver performance undergoes intense scrutiny. He openly acknowledged the consequences he faces if he cannot meet expectations with the team.

“As long as I don’t really perform myself, I know what’s going to happen and I know myself, it’s not the place I should be,”

—Yuki Tsunoda, F1 Driver

“But let’s see. I have confidence that I can come back strong. You guys like to talk about the second seat, about Red Bull, but it is what it is. I know there are things I’ve improved in the past years and past races, especially at the start of this season. There’s a lot going on,”

—Yuki Tsunoda, F1 Driver

Currently, Tsunoda holds 15th place in the Drivers’ Championship with 10 points after 10 races this season. His results have varied greatly, with only three finishes in points-paying positions for Red Bull. Such inconsistency highlights the pressure he faces to prove his capabilities as a driver within a highly competitive team.

The Importance of Support from Nicole Piastri in Tsunoda’s Journey

The endorsement from Nicole Piastri holds personal significance for Tsunoda as it comes from the family of a direct competitor, Oscar Piastri. This kind of support provides encouragement outside of the typical team dynamics and adds a unique dimension to Tsunoda’s motivation to improve.

Being recognized by a respected figure connected to his racing rival reminds Tsunoda of the wider community paying attention to his progress, which strengthens his resolve to enhance his performance and secure his place among the sport’s elite drivers.

Looking Ahead: Tsunoda’s Path Forward

Yuki Tsunoda’s acknowledgment of Nicole Piastri’s support and his candid admission about needing to improve underscore both his humility and determination in Formula 1. Competing alongside Max Verstappen and facing off against drivers like Oscar Piastri establishes a challenging environment that demands constant growth.

With the pressure mounting at Red Bull and the season unfolding, Tsunoda remains hopeful and committed to elevating his pace to contend at the highest levels. His recognition of the obstacles ahead paired with external encouragement could play a crucial role in shaping his trajectory in the coming years.