Yuki Tsunoda of Japan had his contract with AlphaTauri extended for the 2023 Formula 1 season, team owner Red Bull confirmed Thursday.

Tsunoda, 22, is in his second season in Formula 1 after a successful career in Japan. He finished 14th in 2021 and currently sits 16th in the current season standings. He has yet to win a race or a pole at the F1 level.

“As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season,” AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost said. “The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022.

“As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula One, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential.”

Tsunoda has three top-10 finishes this season. His best finish was fourth place at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It’s unclear who Tsunoda’s teammate will be in 2023, with current teammate Pierre Gasly of France being rumored to move to Alpine.

–Field Level Media