AlphaTauri will enter the 2023 season with high hopes, having had a full season to get to grips with the new regulations that came into effect at the start of last year.
The team limped to a ninth placed finish last year but with the AT04 expected to be much more competitive this season, the team will be hoping to return to the top of the midfield.
While many drivers have been relaxing over the winter break, Yuki Tsunoda has been in Dubai taking part in a warm weather training camp, getting himself in the best possible position for success this year.
The Japanese driver will be expected to perform this season, having had two seasons to learn from Pierre Gasly before having to step up in his absence.
READ: Fernando Alonso makes big Lance Stroll claim
“I was there for two weeks, working on my general fitness and the time was also important to get to know my new coach [Michael Italiano], who used to work with [Daniel] Ricciardo,” he said in a recent interview with AlphaTauri.
“One of the main targets of the camp was to build our relationship, so that we understand one another before testing and racing begins.
“That went well and so did the actual training, where we focused mainly on the endurance side.”
Tsunoda’s relationship with his team and communication skills have been criticised during his time in F1, with the Japanese driver’s aggressive and sometimes rude radio messages being deemed as over the top.
Tsunoda has explained that he was never intentionally rude or aggressive, however he moved to the UK from Japan when he entered F1, meaning most of his English was learned from his engineers.
READ: Formula 1 letter to FIA president shows they’re in an ‘open war’
Having struggled to adapt to life in Milton Keynes, AlphaTauri sent Tsunoda to live in Italy, a decision which helped the 22-year-old to calm down and feel more comfortable.
Tsunoda’s communication improved over the course of last season but his old teammate Pierre Gasly has admitted that he still has no filter, something which he will need to work on if he wishes to become the team leader at AlphaTauri.
The 22-year-old will be up against the star of Monza, Nyck de Vries this season, a test which will see Tsunoda rely on all of his F1 experience, if he is to get the better of the Dutchman.