Season snapshot · 2021
Source: Jolpica F1 API- WDC finish
- P14
- Wins
- 0
- Podiums
- 0
- Points
- 32
- DNFs
- 4
- Constructor
- Scuderia AlphaTauri
Race-by-race
| Race | Grid | Finish | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | P13 | P9 | 2 |
| Emilia Romagna | P20 | P12 | 0 |
| Portuguese | P14 | P15 | 0 |
| Spanish | P16 | Electrical | 0 |
| Monaco | P16 | P16 | 0 |
| Azerbaijan | P7 | P7 | 6 |
| French | Pit | P13 | 0 |
| Styrian | P11 | P10 | 1 |
| Austrian | P7 | P12 | 0 |
| British | P16 | P10 | 1 |
| Hungarian | P16 | P6 | 8 |
| Belgian | P16 | P15 | 0 |
| Dutch | P14 | Engine | 0 |
| Italian | P15 | Brakes | 0 |
| Russian | P12 | P17 | 0 |
| Turkish | P9 | P14 | 0 |
| United States | P10 | P9 | 2 |
| Mexican | P17 | Collision | 0 |
| São Paulo | P15 | P15 | 0 |
| Qatar | P8 | P13 | 0 |
| Saudi Arabian | P8 | P14 | 0 |
| Abu Dhabi | P8 | P4 | 12 |
Yuki Tsunoda's debut 2021 Formula 1 season was a period of significant learning and adaptation, marked by flashes of raw speed punctuated by moments of inexperience, culminating in a 14th place finish in the Drivers' Championship with 32 points for Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Going in
Stepping into Formula 1 with Scuderia AlphaTauri, Yuki Tsunoda arrived with a reputation for aggressive driving and undeniable pace, having finished third in the 2020 Formula 2 Championship. The 2021 season, operating under the V6 turbo-hybrid power unit regulations that had seen Mercedes dominate for years before Red Bull's resurgence, presented a demanding environment for any rookie. Tsunoda was tasked with adapting to the heavier F1 cars and the intricate operational demands of a Grand Prix weekend, all while competing against an established teammate in Pierre Gasly. The expectation was for a steep learning curve, but also for the occasional standout performance that had defined his junior career. For young drivers like Tsunoda, the transition from feeder series to the pinnacle of motorsport is always a challenge, often requiring a full season to truly find their rhythm, a path that future talents such as Andrea Kimi Antonelli — 2025 season will also navigate.
How it played out
Tsunoda's season began with an immediate impact at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he secured a 9th place finish, earning 2 points on his debut. This promising start, however, was followed by a series of challenging races. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix saw him start from 20th after a qualifying crash, recovering to 12th. Subsequent rounds in Portugal, Spain (where he suffered an electrical DNF), and Monaco yielded no points, highlighting the inconsistency that would characterize much of his early season. A strong 7th place finish in Azerbaijan, securing 6 points, offered a glimpse of his potential, but was again followed by a mixed run of results including a DNF in the Netherlands due to an engine issue and another in Italy from brakes. His mid-season was a test of resilience, with several races seeing him finish outside the points or multiple laps down. The data available through resources like the Jolpica/Ergast F1 API provides a detailed record of these fluctuations, illustrating the rookie's journey.