Yuki Tsunoda ready to fight against “monster” Max Verstappen in Red Bull

Visa Cash App RB driver Yuki Tsunoda said he was ready to face the challenge of "monster" Max Verstappen in F1. The Japanese driver has been part of the Red Bull frey since 2019 and joined the junior team in 2021.

Ever since joining the sport, the 24-year-old has gradually found his footing on the grid. This year Tsunoda put up some eye-catching performances and a fairly consistent run. However, Red Bull management have been cautious in promoting Tsunoda to the senior team alongside Verstappen, citing his mentality and emotional resolve inside a car.

Speaking with ViaPlay at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda congratulated Max Verstappen on his fourth successive championship and reiterated his desire to race alongside him.

"I am ready to fight against that monster, but at the same time, well done to him, congrats," Tsunoda said.

Speaking with Sky Sports, the RB driver talked about his chances to pair up with Max Verstappen next year and reflected (as quoted by RacingNews365):

"If I knew [what to do], I'd do it right now after this interview," Tsunoda said. "But those things I can't control. All I can control is my performance, like I've shown this year so far. I trust myself and have shown my consistent results as much as possible."

Leaving the decision to promote him to the senior seat in the hands of the team management, Tsunoda added:

"Hopefully they'll change their mind. Even if anything doesn't change, I'll do as much as I can. I know what I can do when I step into Red Bull, but for now, I just got to prepare as much as possible, show good results, and let them decide."

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Max Verstappen gives his take on a potential fifth title next year

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen predicted a "battle" next year for the title when asked about his goal of possibly becoming a five-time F1 world champion.

While previewing his title chances during the post-race press conference on Sunday, the 27-year-old reflected on the season and praised his team for their effort.

"I'm very proud of how everyone stuck together in those very tough races where we came out a bit lost," Verstappen said. "Then we got back to the factory, there were a lot of analysis going on. A few things we couldn't change anymore this year, so that is something for next year, and I just hope that that makes the car more driveable, in general, of course, more competitive."

Hinting at the increased competition on the grid, the Dutch said:

"But I also, of course, know that the other ones are not sitting still, so next year is going to be, I think, a big battle. But like I said before, even when you're not the quickest, if you just keep maximizing those results, a lot is possible."

Max Verstappen won seven out of the first 10 races but could only manage one other win in the next 12 races and two Sprints as he focused on maximizing his results in what was being deemed as an underperforming car.