Hardware verified: October 2025 · Last reviewed: January 2026
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HARDWARE STATUS
Undisclosed
No public verification
HOME SIM SINCE
Oct 2021
Faenza, Italy
FACTORY SIMS
2 Facilities
Milton Keynes + Faenza
GT SPORT LAP
2:00.627
Suzuka · NSX Gr.3
iRACING
No Activity
Training only
📋 Profile Overview
⚠️ Transparency Note: Unlike drivers who stream regularly (Verstappen, Norris, Leclerc), Yuki Tsunoda does not publicly showcase his sim racing equipment. His hardware specifics remain undisclosed despite confirmed professional simulator use. This profile documents what IS verified while being transparent about data gaps.
📹 What IS Confirmed:
Motorsport.com (Oct 2021) ·
BoxThisLap (Apr 2025) ·
The Race (2025) ·
Gran Turismo Official
🏠 Home Simulator (Faenza, Italy)
⚡ What We Know:
Yuki installed a professional-grade home simulator in Faenza, Italy in October 2021. He uses it for structured race preparation with his engineers, calling it "the most realistic one I have ever used" (outside Red Bull's full-scale unit). Specific hardware brands remain undisclosed.
"Of course, it's not quite the same as being in the full-scale sim at Red Bull, which is not like the real thing, but it's the most realistic one I have ever used."— Yuki Tsunoda (Motorsport.com, October 2021)
"I can also discuss what I am doing on it with my engineer and simulate a race weekend from FP1 to qualifying, based on plans made by the engineer for me to use."— Yuki Tsunoda on his home sim workflow
Why Faenza? Tsunoda's Unique Living Arrangement Verified
✅ Verified: Tsunoda lives in Faenza, Italy — near the Racing Bulls/VCARB factory — rather than the typical F1 driver base of Monaco or Milton Keynes[View Source]
This unique arrangement began in 2021 when Helmut Marko ordered Tsunoda to relocate from the UK to Italy to be closer to the AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) headquarters. The proximity allows him to combine home simulator work with factory visits efficiently.
Even after his 2025 promotion to Red Bull Racing (headquartered in Milton Keynes, UK), Tsunoda has chosen to remain in Italy:
"I'm happy with Italy. I'm happy to go to Milton Keynes for simulator sessions or whatever... I think I've been enough in the UK."— Yuki Tsunoda (May 2025)
Location Faenza, Italy
Installed October 2021
Purpose Professional Training
Usage FP1 → Quali simulation
Engineer Access Remote collaboration
🔧 Hardware Status
🔧 Hardware Status Overview
| Component | Status | Notes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | Unknown | No confirmed brand (Fanatec/Simucube/Leo Bodnar) | Unknown |
| Steering Wheel | Reported | Fanatec ClubSport F1 spotted in videos (unverified) | Reported |
| Pedals | Unknown | No brand or load cell specs documented | Unknown |
| Cockpit/Rig | Unknown | No evidence of Sim-Lab/Trak Racer/Playseat | Unknown |
| Seat | Unknown | No Sparco/Recaro/OMP confirmation | Unknown |
| Display Setup | Unknown | Triple/ultrawide/VR status undocumented | Unknown |
| Motion Platform | Unknown | No D-BOX or similar confirmed | Unknown |
| PC Specs | Unknown | No GPU/CPU mentions found | Unknown |
[Steering Wheel] Fanatec ClubSport F1 (Reported) ReportedUnconfirmed
🎮
⚠️ Low Confidence: BoxThisLap suggests this based on video analysis, but explicitly states they "don't know exactly which simulator and setup Yuki Tsunoda uses." This is speculative.
Some sim racing community analysis has tentatively identified what appears to be a Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 in brief video appearances. However, this lacks official confirmation or sponsorship announcement.
Source Video analysis only
Official Confirmation None
Fanatec Sponsorship No individual deal
Note: Fanatec is the "Official Provider of Formula 1 Sim Racing" but this organizational partnership doesn't confirm individual driver equipment.
🏭 Factory Simulator Access
📍 Professional Simulator Access: Tsunoda has access to two professional F1-grade simulator facilities separate from his personal home setup. His performance in these simulators directly contributed to his Red Bull Racing promotion.
Red Bull Technology Campus (Milton Keynes, UK) VerifiedPrimary
🏢
✅ Verified: Tsunoda completed 2-3 simulator sessions here before his Red Bull promotion. Helmut Marko confirmed these were "very good" with "solid technical feedback"[View Source]
Red Bull Racing's state-of-the-art simulator at their Milton Keynes headquarters represents the pinnacle of F1 simulation technology. Originally running rFactor software, later upgraded to rFactor Pro. Tsunoda spent two days testing the RB21 here before his 2025 Japanese GP debut.
"We put him in the simulator two or three times, and those sessions were very good. Also his technical feedback, something he had been criticised for in the past, was very solid."— Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Advisor
Location Milton Keynes, UK
Type Full-motion F1 simulator
Software rFactor Pro
Tsunoda Sessions 2-3 (late 2024)
Racing Bulls/VCARB Factory (Faenza + Bicester) VerifiedSecondary
🏭
✅ Verified: Racing Bulls operates simulator facilities at both Faenza (Italy) and Bicester (England). Tsunoda's home is near the Faenza facility.
The Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri/VCARB) team maintains simulator facilities that Tsunoda used regularly during his time with the team. The proximity of his Faenza home to the Italian facility made frequent visits practical.
Faenza Facility Faenza, Italy
Bicester Facility Bicester, England
Proximity to Home Same city (Faenza)
"I spent about two days in the simulator. From that experience, I didn't find the car to be that challenging to drive... I was expecting a lot more trickiness, because of how Liam struggled."— Yuki Tsunoda on Red Bull RB21 simulator testing (The Race, 2025)
"It's a bit different to the simulator from what I felt, to be honest, maybe a little bit more than I expected in terms of car feeling."— Yuki Tsunoda comparing simulator to real RB21
🎮 Gran Turismo Events
🏆 Documented Competitive Sim Racing: Tsunoda's only verified competitive sim racing appearances are Red Bull promotional events in Gran Turismo Sport. Unlike teammates who compete in iRacing, he does not participate in esports.
🏆 Beat The Pro 2021 — "The Pro to Beat"
✅ Verified: Official Gran Turismo announcement — Tsunoda set the benchmark lap for the October 2021 challenge[View Source]
Following the cancellation of the Japanese GP due to COVID, Tsunoda was featured as the main "Pro to Beat" in this Honda-sponsored Gran Turismo Sport time trial challenge.
BENCHMARK LAP
2:00.627
TRACK
Suzuka Circuit
CAR
Honda NSX Gr.3
Event Dates October 6-24, 2021
Livery Special Tsunoda design
Also Featured Verstappen (1:58.872), Perez (2:05.288)
🎮 Beat The Pro 2020
✅ Verified: Tsunoda participated alongside Alex Albon and Max Verstappen in the inaugural challenge[View Source]
Before his F1 debut, Tsunoda (then a Honda junior driver) joined the Red Bull Racing drivers in setting benchmark laps at Suzuka.
Event Date October 2020
Track Suzuka Circuit
Car Super Formula SF19
Co-participants Verstappen, Albon
📺 Red Bull Homestretch 2021
✅ Verified: Tsunoda participated in the Gran Turismo Sport exhibition event broadcast on Red Bull Twitch[View Source]
"I game a lot at home so to be involved in Red Bull Homestretch is really cool for me."— Yuki Tsunoda (May 2021)
Platform Red Bull Twitch
Game Gran Turismo Sport
Type Exhibition/Promotional
📊 Esports Activity Comparison
| Activity | Yuki Tsunoda | Max Verstappen | Lando Norris |
|---|---|---|---|
| iRacing Account | Has account (inactive) | 8,754+ iRating | Active |
| iRacing Events | None | Multiple wins | Multiple wins |
| Virtual Le Mans | No | Yes (Team Redline) | Yes |
| Esports Team | None | Team Redline (co-owner) | Quadrant |
| Twitch Streaming | No personal channel | Regular streams | Regular streams |
| Gran Turismo | Promotional events | Promotional events | Limited |
Note: Red Bull provided Tsunoda with an iRacing account during 2020 COVID lockdowns, but he has not competed in organized events.
📈 Simulator Philosophy & Career Impact
"Even when others might take a vacation, Yuki heads straight to the simulator with the engineers. Every weekend he's not racing, he's working somewhere."— Laurent Mekies, Racing Bulls Team Principal (SportsTak, September 2025)
📅 Simulator Timeline
2020
iRacing Account Created
Red Bull provided iRacing access during COVID lockdowns. Beat The Pro debut in Gran Turismo Sport.
Early 2021
Troubled Rookie Season Begins
Tsunoda struggles with AlphaTauri. Helmut Marko orders relocation from Milton Keynes to Faenza.
October 2021
Home Simulator Installed
Professional simulator set up at Faenza residence. Describes it as "the most realistic one I have ever used."
2021-2024
Continuous Development
Uses home sim for race preparation with engineers. Simulates FP1 through qualifying for every race weekend.
Late 2024
Red Bull Factory Sessions
Completes 2-3 sessions at Milton Keynes. Marko praises "very good" performance and "solid technical feedback."
2025
Red Bull Racing Promotion
Simulator sessions directly contribute to promotion. Completes 2 days of RB21 testing before Japanese GP debut.
🎮 Gaming Beyond Sim Racing
🎯 Active Gamer: Tsunoda is known for his gaming interests beyond racing simulation, particularly in competitive shooters.
| Game | Details | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Legends | Reached Diamond rank | Streamed with iiTzTimmy (June 2022), Red Bull Apex Takeover Japan (Sept 2025) |
| VALORANT | Fan / Promotional | Wore VALORANT-themed helmet at 2024 Belgian GP |
| Fall Guys | Casual | Appeared on Liam Lawson's Twitch streams |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | Casual | Played on team streams |
"I was just ordering UberEats with one hand and gaming the whole day."— Yuki Tsunoda on his early F1 struggles (Netflix Drive to Survive)
❓ Yuki Tsunoda Setup FAQ
What sim racing setup does Yuki Tsunoda use?
Hardware is undisclosed. Unlike drivers who stream regularly, Tsunoda does not publicly showcase his equipment. He has operated a professional home simulator in Faenza, Italy since October 2021, which he describes as "the most realistic one I have ever used." Specific components like wheelbase brand, pedals, and cockpit remain unverified.
The only tentative identification is a Fanatec ClubSport F1 wheel spotted in video analysis — but this lacks official confirmation.
The only tentative identification is a Fanatec ClubSport F1 wheel spotted in video analysis — but this lacks official confirmation.
Does Yuki Tsunoda compete in sim racing events?
No competitive esports participation. Unlike teammates Max Verstappen (Team Redline, iRacing champion) and Lando Norris (Quadrant), Tsunoda does not compete in iRacing, Virtual Le Mans, or other esports.
His only documented competitive appearances are Gran Turismo Sport promotional events: Beat The Pro 2020, Beat The Pro 2021 (where he set a 2:00.627 benchmark at Suzuka), and Red Bull Homestretch 2021.
Red Bull provided him with an iRacing account in 2020, but no competitive activity has been recorded.
His only documented competitive appearances are Gran Turismo Sport promotional events: Beat The Pro 2020, Beat The Pro 2021 (where he set a 2:00.627 benchmark at Suzuka), and Red Bull Homestretch 2021.
Red Bull provided him with an iRacing account in 2020, but no competitive activity has been recorded.
How did simulator work help Tsunoda get promoted to Red Bull?
Tsunoda completed 2-3 simulator sessions at Red Bull's Milton Keynes facility in late 2024. Helmut Marko publicly stated these sessions were "very good" and praised his "solid technical feedback" — an area he had previously been criticized for.
Before his Japanese GP debut with Red Bull in April 2025, he completed two additional days of RB21 simulator testing. His simulator performance was explicitly cited as a factor in earning the promotion over other candidates.
Before his Japanese GP debut with Red Bull in April 2025, he completed two additional days of RB21 simulator testing. His simulator performance was explicitly cited as a factor in earning the promotion over other candidates.
Why doesn't Tsunoda stream or share his setup?
Unlike streaming-focused drivers, Tsunoda treats sim racing as a private professional training tool rather than entertainment or competitive hobby. He has no personal Twitch channel, no sim racing manufacturer sponsorships, and no esports team affiliation.
His gaming streams have been limited to promotional events on Red Bull/team channels (typically Apex Legends, not racing sims).
His gaming streams have been limited to promotional events on Red Bull/team channels (typically Apex Legends, not racing sims).
Why does Tsunoda live in Italy instead of Monaco or the UK?
Helmut Marko ordered Tsunoda to relocate from Milton Keynes to Faenza, Italy in 2021 to be closer to the AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) factory. He has chosen to remain there even after his 2025 Red Bull promotion.
The arrangement allows him to combine home simulator work with easy factory access — the Racing Bulls Faenza facility is in the same city as his home.
The arrangement allows him to combine home simulator work with easy factory access — the Racing Bulls Faenza facility is in the same city as his home.
What is Tsunoda's Gran Turismo lap time at Suzuka?
In the Beat The Pro 2021 challenge, Tsunoda set a benchmark lap of 2:00.627 at Suzuka Circuit in a Honda NSX Gr.3 with a special livery. For comparison, Verstappen set 1:58.872 and Perez set 2:05.288 in the same challenge.
Does Tsunoda have an iRacing account?
Yes — Red Bull provided him with an iRacing account during the 2020 COVID lockdowns before his F1 debut. However, there is no public iRating data, and he has not competed in any iRacing Special Events, endurance races, or organized series. His account appears to be inactive or used only for private practice.
📚 Sources & Verification
Primary Sources (Tier 1)
- Motorsport.com: Tsunoda Hopes Home Sim Can Sharpen Driving (Oct 2021) — Primary source for home simulator installation and quotes
- Gran Turismo Official: Beat The Pro 2021 — Confirms benchmark lap time and event details
- The Race: Tsunoda Expected Red Bull Trickier on Simulator — RB21 simulator testing quotes
- PlanetF1: Marko on Tsunoda Simulator Sessions — Confirms simulator contribution to promotion
Secondary Sources (Tier 2)
- BoxThisLap: Yuki Tsunoda and Sim Racing (Apr 2025) — Community analysis (notes hardware is unknown)
- FormulaRapida: Tsunoda Has No Plans to Relocate — Confirms continued Italy residence
- GTPlanet: Beat The Pro 2021 — Event coverage
- Beyond The Flag: Tsunoda Talks Virtual Racing — Red Bull Homestretch quotes
- Dexerto: Tsunoda Plays Apex with iiTzTimmy — Gaming activity documentation
- SportsTak: Mekies on Tsunoda's Work Ethic — Simulator dedication quote
📋 Verification Methodology:
This profile explicitly documents data gaps. Unlike drivers with streaming presence and manufacturer sponsorships, Tsunoda's personal hardware remains unverified. "Unknown" badges indicate components with no public confirmation. Information is derived from motorsport journalism, official team statements, and Gran Turismo announcements — not speculation or affiliate-driven content. Last audit: January 2026.