“I bear in mind when he debuted in F1, everybody was questioning him, then he did a fantastic job. It occurred to me after I entered F1, everybody was questioning it and saying, ‘This isn’t a racing college, he ought to have extra expertise.’
“Yuki obtained higher step-by-step and now he’s a really strong driver, getting the utmost out of his automotive. Final 12 months, he did a great test for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi, and so they didn’t give him the seat. Now it’s switched and I’d say, if I have been him, understanding that in all probability he’s in his prime… I wouldn’t really feel like there’s a lot strain on me.
“It’s Yuki’s residence Grand Prix, he is aware of very properly the monitor, he’s coming from very strong, constant races, with good performances. He’s very motivated to step into the massive crew, so I feel it’s going to go properly for him, actually.
“I’d be shocked if he’s a lot slower than Max. I feel he’ll be slower, however I don’t suppose he’ll be greater than half a second, six-tenths slower. Making a greater job of what Liam did within the first two races is one thing fairly achievable, despite the fact that I don’t suppose it’s honest on Liam [to be dropped].
“To maintain that Pink Bull seat for a very long time? I don’t know. You by no means know with Pink Bull. Not less than he’s in the very best scenario potential of any of their junior drivers [in recent times], I’d say.”
