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Yuki Tsunoda Prepares for Home Grand Prix and Brand Launch

Yuki Tsunoda is poised for an eventful week as he readies himself for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix while simultaneously debuting his new clothing line, Venti Due. This will be Tsunoda’s maiden race with Red Bull in his homeland, taking over the seat from Liam Lawson, who was dropped after lackluster performances early in the season.

Venti Due, which translates to “22” in Italian, reflects Tsunoda’s racing number and features a range of apparel including hoodies, crew necks, oversized jerseys, balloon pants, a canvas tote, and a beanie. The brand prominently incorporates the number 22 and a maple leaf, along with the tagline, ‘fast on track, effortless in style.’ Observant fans have also noted the subtle inclusion of ‘Y’ and ‘T’ in the leaf design. The creative effort includes collaboration with Japanese artist Jinya Yamakawa, known for his past work on Tsunoda’s helmet designs. Although the initial launch was scheduled for March 31, confirmation on when shopping will officially commence is still pending.

Tsunoda’s elevation to Red Bull comes after honing his skills over four seasons with the team’s junior outfit. Initially, he was not selected for a position in the 2025 season, but an early-season shake-up has given him a chance to partner with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Lawson’s dismissal after just a few races has opened the door for Tsunoda, allowing him to demonstrate his capabilities on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

This year marked a significant milestone for Tsunoda as he took on a leadership role, teaming up with rookie driver Isack Hadjar in Australia and China. As the team’s lead driver, Tsunoda delivered commendable results, finishing 16th in China and 12th in Australia, while also earning three championship points—a contrast to Lawson’s performance. Such outcomes appeared to have captured the attention of team management, leading to his swift promotion. However, the second seat at Red Bull has a history of being fraught with challenges, and it remains to be seen whether Tsunoda can establish his presence in the team long-term, differing from others who have struggled in this pivotal role.

As he heads into this crucial week, Tsunoda faces dual pressures: impressing in his first race as a full-time Red Bull driver and successfully launching his fashion brand. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates this exciting yet challenging period in his career.

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