Yuki Tsunoda Navigates Precision Drifting Masterclass with Five-Time Formula Drift Champion James Deane

Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda recently ventured off the conventional racing line, immersing himself in a high-octane drifting masterclass alongside five-time Formula Drift champion James ‘The Machine’ Deane. The session, featuring a Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Deane’s formidable 1100+ bhp Ford Mustang RTR, offered a stark contrast to the precision and grip-focused demands of Grand Prix racing, providing the Japanese driver with a unique challenge in vehicle control.

Tsunoda, known for his aggressive driving style and spirited radio communications in Formula 1, acknowledged the novelty of the experience. "In recent days in Formula 1 it’s actually doing opposite things. So, yeah, definitely, I’m looking forward to it," he remarked, highlighting the fundamental difference between maintaining maximum traction on a Grand Prix circuit and intentionally inducing and controlling a slide. His current role with the Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team (formerly AlphaTauri) typically involves pushing the limits of aerodynamic grip and tyre adhesion, a discipline far removed from the art of sideways motion.

The masterclass commenced with foundational exercises designed to acclimate Tsunoda to the dynamics of controlled oversteer. Deane, an Irish drifting maestro whose accolades include multiple Formula Drift titles, immediately observed Tsunoda’s natural inclination for spirited driving. "I didn’t even tell you what to do and you just started playing," Deane noted with a smile, as Tsunoda instinctively initiated a series of doughnuts, a fundamental drifting maneuver that involves rotating the car in a tight circle while maintaining a continuous slide.

The first structured challenge presented to the Red Bull F1 driver was the 180-degree turn, a test of car control and timing crucial for initiating and recovering from a drift. Following two initial attempts that resulted in full, uncontrolled spins, Tsunoda demonstrated his characteristic tenacity. On his third try, he successfully executed the maneuver, bringing the powerful Mustang through a controlled 180-degree rotation. This early progression underscored his rapid adaptability and inherent car control, skills transferable from his Formula 1 background despite the differing techniques.

Related News :

• F1 2026: Aston Martin and Honda Detail Collaborative Strategy as Works Partnership Takes Shape
• Felipe Massa’s Landmark 2008 F1 Title Challenge Cleared for Full Trial in London High Court
• F1 Paddock Ablaze with Whispers: Could Horner and Newey Rekindle Championship Magic at Aston Martin?
• Albon Calls for Universal F1 Plank Inspections Amidst Mounting Regulatory Scrutiny
• McLaren’s Dozen: A Chronicle of Grand Prix Victories in Brazil

Transitioning to a more complex sequence, the second challenge involved navigating a figure-of-eight course. Deane provided specific instructions for this intricate drill: "So, here now, very similar approach. You want to go 180 around one cone and boxes, then through the centre, 180 around the other. And then you’re just trying to get as many attempts between the two obstacles while keeping it in drift." This exercise demands continuous weight transfer, precise throttle modulation, and rapid counter-steering to maintain a fluid, continuous drift through alternating turns. Tsunoda required additional time to fully master the figure-of-eight, a testament to its technical difficulty, but ultimately achieved proficiency. The intensity of the experience was palpable, with Tsunoda exclaiming, "The adrenaline is like… Wow!" as he grappled with the demands of sustained drifting. Upon bringing the car to a stop, he confessed the physical and mental toll, stating, "I need to calm down a little bit. I forgot to breathe, actually. I’m actually holding my breath all the time." This reaction highlights the immense concentration and physical effort required in high-level drifting, mirroring the intense focus demanded by Formula 1.

The third and arguably most demanding challenge was dubbed the Wall of Cones. Deane outlined the objective: "So, this is challenging and you’re going to be on the handbrake, initiate, and then you’re trying to follow the wall of cones all the way around. And then you have your oil line on the cones and you’re kind of trying to take a guess of where the back of the car is." This drill tests a driver’s spatial awareness and precision in maintaining a drift perilously close to an obstacle, simulating the tight margins encountered in competitive drifting. On his initial attempt, Tsunoda’s enthusiastic approach led to the displacement of almost all the cones as he drifted through the corner, eliciting a self-deprecating smile and the comment, "Some Japanese DNA," a nod to his energetic driving style. A subsequent attempt saw more cones scattered across the asphalt, prompting laughter from both drivers. However, by his third attempt, Tsunoda had refined his technique, successfully navigating the "Wall of Cones" with improved precision, repeating the move multiple times to solidify his understanding.

Following his hands-on experience, Tsunoda took on the role of passenger, joining Deane in the latter’s highly modified 1100+ bhp Ford Mustang RTR. This particular vehicle, a custom-built machine, embodies the pinnacle of competitive drifting engineering, featuring extensive chassis modifications, a stripped-out interior for weight reduction, and a powerful engine tuned specifically for high-torque, controlled slides. The contrast between driving and being driven by a master like Deane proved to be a revelatory experience for the F1 pilot. As Deane unleashed the full potential of his drift car, Tsunoda’s reactions were immediate and unfiltered. "You’re crazy! Fing crazy!" he shouted, a testament to the raw speed and extreme angles achieved by Deane. The experience left Tsunoda disoriented yet exhilarated. "I didn’t know what was going on. I just lose the direction which I’m facing at. Like am I facing to the wall now or… Holy s. I sweat more than yesterday’s race," he admitted, referencing the physical exertion and mental strain that surpassed even a competitive Formula 1 Grand Prix. He further conceded a degree of nervousness during Deane’s demonstration, underscoring the formidable nature of professional drifting when executed at its peak.

This crossover event provides valuable insight into the diverse skill sets within motorsport. While Formula 1 demands absolute precision, aerodynamic efficiency, and the maximization of grip through meticulously engineered machinery, drifting champions like James Deane master the art of deliberate traction loss and controlled chaos. Deane, a titan in the Formula Drift series, has achieved unprecedented success through a combination of innate talent, relentless practice, and an unparalleled understanding of vehicle dynamics at the edge of control. His Ford Mustang RTR is not merely a car but an extension of his will, capable of executing angles and speeds that defy conventional driving logic.

For Yuki Tsunoda, this masterclass serves as a unique off-season or break activity, offering a chance to hone fundamental car control skills in a dramatically different environment. While F1 cars rely heavily on downforce and sophisticated electronic aids to maintain grip at extreme speeds, drifting forces a driver to rely purely on throttle control, steering input, and weight transfer to manage the car’s attitude. Such experiences can subtly enhance a driver’s overall feel for a vehicle, potentially improving their ability to react to unexpected slides or low-grip conditions on an F1 track, even if the primary objectives of the two disciplines remain poles apart.

Tsunoda’s F1 career, which began in 2021 with AlphaTauri, has been marked by flashes of brilliance and a continuous learning curve. Known for his aggressive overtakes and passionate driving, he has established himself as a competitive presence on the grid. His performance in the current season, driving for the rebranded Visa Cash App RB team, continues to be a focal point as he strives for consistent points finishes and aims to solidify his position within the Red Bull driver programme. The contrast between the high-stakes, data-driven world of Formula 1 and the raw, instinctual demands of drifting highlights the broad spectrum of talent required across motorsport. This masterclass with James Deane not only offered Tsunoda a thrilling diversion but also an opportunity to expand his understanding of vehicle dynamics beyond the confines of a Grand Prix circuit.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

Latest entries

• F1November 30, 2025Yuki Tsunoda Navigates Precision Drifting Masterclass with Five-Time Formula Drift Champion James Deane
• F1November 29, 2025F1 Qatar Grand Prix: High Stakes at Lusail as Championship Nears Climax
• F1November 29, 2025Martin Brundle Highlights Critical Absence of Familiar Mercedes Personnel in Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Transition
• F1November 29, 2025Norris Primed for Historic 2025 F1 Championship Clinch at Qatar Grand Prix