Tsunoda joins AlphaTauri for 2021

AlphaTauri has set its driver lineup for the 2021 Formula 1 season, with Yuki Tsunoda joining Pierre Gasly on the grid.

Tsunoda, the first Japanese F1 driver since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014, will take the seat occupied by Daniil Kvyat in 2019-20.

The 20-year-old will become the first driver born in the year 2000 or later.

Tsunoda finished third in F2 standings last year, claiming seven podiums and two wins after being an accelerated member of Red Bull's junior program. The campaign earned him the Anthoine Hubert award as the highest-placing rookie. Mick Schumacher won the F2 championship and will drive for Haas next year.

Red Bull Motorsport adviser and head of the driver development program Helmut Marko closely monitored Tsunoda, who first tested with Red Bull's sister club AlphaTauri during the 2018 season.

"I was given information from Helmut that I had to do well this season and that I would need to be fifth to get a Super Licence," Tsunoda said in November, according to Craig Draycott of F1.com. "He said if I was fifth, then I would qualify to drive in Formula 1, but if I was not, then I would need to drive in Japan again."

AlphaTauri has handled the graduations of many of Red Bull's top prospects, including Gasly, who was briefly promoted to Red Bull at the start of 2019 before losing his seat to fellow AlphaTauri driver Alex Albon. The latter maintained his seat through 2020 but it's unclear who will race alongside Max Verstappen on the top team next year.

"I want to thank Scuderia AlphaTauri, Red Bull, and Dr. Marko for giving me this opportunity, and of course everyone from Honda, for all their support so far in my career, giving me great opportunities to race in Europe," Tsunoda said.

AlphaTauri finished seventh on the grid this year, at the back of the midfield with 107 points. Only Alfa Romeo (eight points), Haas (three), and Williams (zero) finished lower.