Tsunoda reveals surprise Perez contact after Red Bull promotion

Yuki Tsunoda has revealed he received messages from two former Red Bull drivers, including Sergio Perez, following his promotion to the team.

Tsunoda will make his debut for Red Bull this weekend in Japan after being called up to replace a struggling Liam Lawson.

The swap was made shortly after the Chinese Grand Prix, which saw Lawson languish at the back of the field throughout the race weekend.

Tsunoda has revealed he kept the news under wraps at the request of team principal Christian Horner and didn't disclose his promotion even to his parents until shortly before the official announcement.

“He [Horner] wanted me to be very confidential, so literally I didn’t call anyone,” Tsunoda told media including RacingNews365.

“Even though I called – well, I won’t say here – I’m just kidding, I really didn’t say anything, not even to my parents. 

“Actually, I told them maybe the day before the news came out. So that’s it.” 

Tsunoda is the fifth driver to line up alongside Verstappen at Red Bull since the start of the 2019 season, with each of his predosccers struggling for form at the team.

The 24-year-old revealed he received messages of support and advice from Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez ahead of his debut.

“I got a message from Pierre, that he wanted to call me about the experience he had in Red Bull, about the things he should have done in Red Bull and he wanted to share a couple of ideas he thought could work for the coming races in Red Bull,” he said.

“That was very nice of him and very useful tips. I also got support from Checo as well. 

“All Red Bull family drivers gave me supportive messages. Those two have been very supportive to me, and I really appreciate it. 

“They’re drivers I respect a lot, so I’m very happy.”