Yuki Tsunoda is Japan’s Fastest Rising Star
By Kelli Luu | 22 Nov, 2025

From the karting tracks in Kanagawa to the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Yuki Tsunoda is carving a legacy as one of F1’s most exciting underdogs.

Yuki Tsunoda is the 5’3” Formula 1 speedracer bringing his skill from Japan right to the F1 racetracks. 

Born in 2000 in Kanagawa, Japan, Tsunoda was raised to become a star at the steering wheel. His father was a mechanic and had a passion for the karting track, so he introduced Yuki to racing before he could even reach the gas pedal. 

At the age of 10, Tsunoda began his professional career, joining the JAF Junior Karting Championship and later moving on to the regional class, then national class. He made his mark in the karting scene with his spectacular racecraft. 

In 2016 Tsunoda entered the JAF F4 Championship where he finished third overall, which was highly impressive for a 16 year old. His breakout year was in 2018 when he began racing with Honda’s Formula Dream Project. Tsunoda became the F4 Japanese Champion where he secured 7 wins, proving himself to be one of Japan’s most promising young drivers. 

His next big challenge was FIA Formula 2, where he entered as a rookie on the Red Bull junior team and shocked the world with 3 race wins, finishing third in the championship. He received the title of Rookie of the Year, making him one of the most exciting drivers Red Bull has scouted. 

That same year, Yuki Tsunoda’s dream became reality as he was promoted to Formula 1 with Italian team, Scuderia AlphaTauri. He was the first Japanese driver to compete in F1 in 7 years and although his best result was a fourth place finish, Tsunoda has become a popular underdog. 

He is currently gearing up to hit the track again November 22 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix where he will be competing in practice, qualifying, and the lead-up to Sunday’s big race. The young powerhouse has made his way to the iconic Las Vegas Strip and he is making it known that he’s only getting started.