Ricciardo and Tsunoda Staying At AlphaTauri? Is Tsunoda A Comic? Plus Hamilton’s Helmet Shines Like The Vegas Lights.
The “silly season" rumors are everywhere in the pits but the biggest news down in the driver garages is that Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will stay with AlphaTauri in 2024, leaving impressive rookie Liam Lawson’s immediate future in doubt.
Red Bull had been weighing up three options for two seats but are understood to have settled on a decision this week.
The decision extends the F1 career of eight-time grand prix winner Ricciardo, who replaced Nyck de Vries at the Hungarian Grand Prix, for at least one more season.
Ricciardo sees that option as his best path back to Red Bull in 2025, when Sergio Perez’s contract will have ended.The news, which could be announced before Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, will keep Tsunoda at AlphaTauri for a fourth season but leaves a huge question mark over Lawson’s next steps.
AlphaTauri is set to race under a new name and with a closer partnership to Red Bull in 2024, perhaps explaining why Red Bull has chosen the most experienced lineup available.
The team’s race lineup for next year has been a big talking point in recent weeks, a decision complicated by the impressive performances of Ricciardo stand-in Lawson across the last three races.
Lawson replaced Ricciardo when the Australian driver broke a bone in his hand ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
He impressed at Zandvoort and Monza before scoring the first points of his F1 career at the Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished ninth.
Lawson will race at the Japanese Grand Prix; Ricciardo is hoping to return for the Qatar Grand Prix on Oct. 8.
The only 2024 seat still available is at Williams, who are believed to be considering their options and weighing up the future of underwhelming American rookie Logan Sargeant.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 17: Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (40) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT04 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 17, 2023 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202309170429 // Usage for editorial use only //
Speaking on Thursday at the media day in Suzuka, Lawson said: “I wouldn’t be happy to go back to being reserve but obviously I know how hard it is to get to Formula One.
“And I understand that can be really, really difficult sometimes. So what will happen will happen, but these things I haven’t really thought about too much.
“I’ve just tried to make the most of this [opportunity]."
Yuki Tsunoda’s Untold Stories Unveiled in Exclusive Limited Edition Comics Trilogy
The high-octane world of Formula 1 merges with the artistry of manga in a groundbreaking collaboration, revealing an intimate journey into the life of racing sensation, Yuki Tsunoda.
Today, Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, is returning to its foundational comics roots, presenting an exclusive limited-edition comic art series titled “The Yuki Trilogy", chronicling the life and adventures of the Scuderia AlphaTauri driving star, from his unexpected race beginnings to deeply personal off-grid moments. The exclusive comic series, signed by the driver, is available from September 20th until October 1st in a special auction on Catawiki.
Crafted with precision and passion by award-winning manga artist Inko Ai Takita, under Tsunoda’s own narration, the trilogy offers fans fresh insights and a look at Yuki Tsunoda’s illustrious career and private life – from his unexpected race beginnings to heartfelt off-grid moments. The first comic reveals that Tsunoda never expected to be a racing driver, until he got behind the wheel. The second one showcases his deep national pride, which he wears close to his heart (and head), with a unique helmet design, adorned with a Japanese maple leaf. The third comic ventures off the track with Tsunoda, putting his passions centre stage: he’s an avid sauna enthusiast and has a particular fondness for his mother’s chicken recipe.
‘’My first time behind the wheel, I just fell in love,’’ comments Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda. “To witness my story through the lens of manga feels both nostalgic and exciting. It is a new glimpse into my journey".
“Reimagining Yuki Tsunoda’s captivating journey in manga was both a challenge and an honour. His story’s essence, marked by passion, tenacity, and resilience, radiates from each page," says artist Inko Ai Takita.
Beyond the comics, ardent fans and collectors have the chance to acquire exclusive memorabilia from Yuki Tsunoda on Catawiki, such as the gloves he will use in the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix signed by him, his 2021 and 2022 signed race suits and more signed racing apparel, as well as prized items from Scuderia AlphaTauri and Scuderia Toro Rosso’s warehouse, such as a STR5 original running car, Max Verstappen race suit and much more. A portion of the auction’s proceeds will be donated to the not-for-profit foundation Wings for Life, which is dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injury.
Featuring 22,000 LED modules, The Las Vegas F1 sign is go!
Featuring 22,000 LED modules, our F1 sign is going to look spectacular from the sky 🙌#LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/103xVhNSwl
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) September 19, 2023
Lewis Hamilton Unveils Mind-Blowing Japanese GP Helmet
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has unveiled his helmet design for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
Taking to social media to reveal the design to his fans, Hamilton has shared multiple photos of the insane design which features a chrome finish and a striking LED strip across the visor.
The British driver shared some photos of the helmet with the caption, “Man vs. Machine". The chrome finish looks as though it is accompanied with a stripe down the middle with the Mercedes logo on top.
Hamilton is not the only driver to choose to bring a special helmet design to the iconic Suzuka circuit with other designs coming from two-time champion Fernando Alonso, current championship leader Max Verstappen, and Alpine driver Esteban Ocon.
MAN VS MACHINE ⚙️ pic.twitter.com/uFdYIvTbiB
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 21, 2023