AlphaTauri’s young talent, Yuki Tsunoda, has been having a rough season so far. With the last race at Marina Bay chalked up to a DNF, Tsunoda has his eyes set on the Japanese Grand Prix. But the upcoming race has more than just sporting significance for the Japanese driver. It also means racing with his childhood hero, Lewis Hamilton.

For Yuki Tsunoda, racing in Japan alongside his current opponents has been a lifelong dream.

Yuki Tsunoda’s dream of racing against Lewis Hamilton

In an old interview, Yuki mentioned watching Lewis Hamilton race in Japan. That was where his dreams of racing started.

Going back to his childhood memories, Tsunoda said, “When I was eight years old, I went to Fuji Speedway in Japan and Lewis Hamilton was racing in McLaren. I just thought, ‘one time I want to drive with this guy and race against the best driver in the world’.”

As things stand, Yuki Tsunoda’s dream is about to come true, as he is just a few days away from competing against Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton at the Japanese Grand Prix.

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It must be a proud moment for him to see his career come full circle as now a lot of children, who wish to make it to F1, look up to him as their hero.

Yuki Tsunoda renews contract with AlphaTauri

Although the 22-year-old driver’s dreams are coming true, it has not been an easy road. Tsunoda till now has only managed to score 11 championship points with AlphaTauri this season.

Despite Yuki’s rough ride so far, his contract with AlphaTauri has been extended past 2022.

“Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season,” said Franz Tost. “The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1.”

“A driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with F1, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential,” added the team principal of AlphaTauri.

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It appears Yuki Tsunoda will have many more opportunities to race with the stars and, in the process, inspire his own fans.