Portugal Colonial - Tsunoda embracing pressure of Red Bull debut at home Japanese GP

Tsunoda will be the centre of attention at Suzuka this weekend after replacing Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's team-mate two races into the F1 season.

The 24-year-old Japanese driver steps up from sister team RB, with Lawson moving the other way to the team he drove for last year.

This year's grand prix will also be Red Bull's last in partnership with Japanese engine supplier Honda, with the team set to race in a special commemorative red and white livery.

"I'm never going to be in a situation like this again," Tsunoda said after a Red Bull fan event in Tokyo.

"There's the pressure of swapping teams, of racing at my home grand prix and of it being the last year of the partnership with Honda.

"There are lots of pressures and challenges but I'm never going to have this experience again so I want to enjoy it."

Red Bull axed Lawson last week after the New Zealander's disastrous start to his debut season with the team, which saw him fail to score any points in the first two race weekends.

Tsunoda said he had no hesitation when the call came to replace him.

"You don't get offers to race for the top team very often," said Tsunoda, now in his fifth full season in F1.

"I knew I wouldn't get many chances like this in my life so I quickly said yes."

Tsunoda's highest finish at a race is fourth in 2021 at Abu Dhabi for RB, then called AlphaTauri.

He has targeted a place on the podium at Suzuka.

"My mindset is a little different now," said Tsunoda, who previously had a reputation for his outbursts over the radio.

"I have been able to race more calmly this year."

S.Caetano--PC