Slightly far from all the glamor of Formula One racing is the support race system named the F2 Championship. And one of the competition’s greatest prospects is Yuki Tsunoda.

The Japanese driver, backed by Honda, is currently third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. He is only led by F1 hopefuls Callum Ilott and Mick Schumacher in the drivers’ standings.

But such has been the rapid progress of Tsunoda that he might feature in F1 come 2021. He will feature in an AlphaTauri test with the team’s 2018 car at the Imola Circuit ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on November 1st.

Yuki Tsunoda is the ‘fastest driver’ in the F2 Championship

Carlin Motorsport boss Trevor Carlin backs Tsunoda as the fastest driver in F2. Speaking to Reuters in an interview, Carlin was quoted as saying, “Certainly Mick’s a shoe-in for Alfa. I’d say Yuki will be a shoe-in for AlphaTauri.

“I think Yuki’s the fastest driver out there, he’s just had too many DNFs (non-finishes) and incidents that have cost him the championship really,” said Carlin.

Sealing the third position in the F2 Championship would see Tsunoda get the required super license to compete in Formula 1. He is currently 44 points behind championship leader Mick Schumacher, who leads with 191 points.

The Japanese driver could replace Kvyat at AlphaTauri for 2021

Tsunoda’s talent and race pace do make him an option for the team next season. Considering how Pierre Gasly will continue as AlphaTauri’s star driver, Daniil Kvyat’s seat could be under threat.

There was initial speculation of whether the Japanese driver would make the cut after Honda’s 2021 exit announcement. However, being part of the Red Bull Junior Drivers’ team means they would evaluate him strictly based on his merit.

Mick Schumacher has already boosted his chances of securing an F1 seat next season, and if Yuki Tsunoda meets the required objectives, we could potentially see him promoted as well.