Depth of 2021 Field Made “Not Easy” rookie campaign for Tsunoda – Pierre Gasly

Pierre Gasly feels Yuki Tsunoda didn’t expect to fight as much as in his rookie season in formula 1but the depth of talent and skill in the sport would have made it difficult for any driver to get in.

Tsunoda experienced a harsh baptism of fire in 2021, scoring only thirty-two points compared to his one hundred and ten points Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda Teammate Gasly, despite finishing fourth in the season with his best result Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Gasly believes Tsunoda learned a few things from just watching what he did behind the wheel and then adjusted his approach, but against such as Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen was always difficult for the Japanese racing driver.

“It’s difficult because it takes so much energy to focus on your own thing,” Gasly is quoted as saying by GPFans. “I think Yuki was listening to what he was saying. He learned a lot from looking at the data, how I work with the team, and just saw my approach.

“I think he probably didn’t expect to fight as much as he says when he gets into Formula One. The level in Formula 1 at the moment in midfield is really tough.

“A four-time world champion drives for Aston Martin (Vettel) with a two-time world champion drives for Alpine [Alonso], very strong line-up at Ferrari, very strong line-up at McLaren, even Kimi, a champion at Alfa Romeo.

“The level is really high and probably even higher than in previous years. Getting started as a rookie was certainly not easy. “