Yuki Tsunoda Reveals Favorite Anime Amidst F1 Season

Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese Formula 1 driver, recently shared his passion for anime, offering a glimpse into his life beyond the racetrack. Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Tsunoda expressed his delight when asked about his favorite series, humorously noting it was a 'nice fresh question' compared to typical racing inquiries.

Why it matters:

In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, drivers often maintain a tight focus on their sport. Tsunoda's openness about his anime hobby offers a relatable, humanizing perspective, potentially connecting with a broader audience and showcasing the diverse interests of athletes. It also highlights how drivers manage downtime during an increasingly demanding F1 calendar.

The Details:

• Tsunoda revealed his top anime picks: One Piece, One-Punch Man, and currently watching Black Clover and Demon Slayer.
• These titles are mainstream hits, with One Piece being a long-running global phenomenon and Demon Slayer recently achieving massive box-office success with its Infinity Castle movie.
• Tsunoda attributed his extensive viewing to the demanding travel schedule of the F1 season, noting long-haul flights provide ample time for binging.
• He's not alone in the Red Bull family; his Racing Bulls' teammate Isack Hadjar also expressed his love for anime earlier this year, particularly Hunter x Hunter.

The big picture:

This offseason glimpse into Tsunoda's personal interests comes amid a period of both on-track success and career uncertainty. Despite a strong performance in FP1 at Las Vegas, finishing third behind Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon, Tsunoda has previously voiced concerns about his seat for the 2025 season. His focus remains on consistent performance and aiding the team, particularly in qualifying as close to Max Verstappen as possible and contributing to the constructors' efforts.

What's next:

While Tsunoda continues to perform on track – currently sitting 17th in the drivers' standings – his future in F1 remains a talking point. His ability to balance the intense demands of racing with personal passions like anime underscores his adaptability. As the F1 season progresses, his performances will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, but moments like these remind fans of the personalities behind the helmets.