Written By: Jas Banga
Underneath the helmet, Yuki Tsunoda is all intensity, precision, and pure drive. His path to the top of Formula 1 has been anything but typical. Born and raised in Japan, he arrived on the grid as the youngest Japanese driver to ever debut in the sport, instantly drawing worldwide attention with his raw speed and fearless spirit. Yet for all the adrenaline that defines his racing, Yuki carries a quiet simplicity outside the cockpit. He cares about balance, health, and staying connected to where he comes from. In a conversation with LAPSOFLUX, he opens a window into that side of his life, starting with a new passion project rooted in sustainability.
“I’m very happy to be involved,” Yuki says about his work with Plantaform, an indoor farming company pushing the boundaries of sustainable food production. His excitement comes from his love of fresh, organic ingredients, but also from the friends who helped bring the idea to life. “A reason why I wanted to join this project was purely, first of all, coming with the friends that we started this Plantaform project,” he explains. For Yuki, Plantaform is more than a partnership. It’s a way to align his values with his goals and support a healthier, more sustainable future while chasing his own dreams.
Through Plantaform’s Rejuvenate system, Yuki is able to enjoy fresh produce from the comfort of his own home, even with a lifestyle that keeps him constantly on the move. “With my current Formula One career, I’m away from my house a lot, but Rejuvenate is able to keep growing the plants,” he says. The convenience of having access to fresh ingredients—whether he’s in Japan or on the other side of the world—adds a unique sense of grounding to his hectic routine.
Yuki’s vision extends beyond personal use. “Hopefully in the future, once I open a restaurant, I would definitely want to use Rejuvenate,” he shares, imagining a dining experience where customers can pick fresh greens straight from the source to their plates. This vision blends Yuki’s love for food with his drive to offer something truly innovative and sustainable. “I think that would be great and will bring new things for the world,” he adds, hinting at his desire to leave a meaningful impact outside of Formula 1.
But Yuki isn’t all about chasing the next thrill or project. Off the track, he’s equally at home with friends, finding fulfilment in life’s quieter moments. “I just like hanging out with my friends,” he says, laughing. “It’s genuine and present moments outside of F1.” This simple, down-to-earth hobby reveals a side of him that’s more about genuine connection than competition.
One of his greatest pleasures? Exploring food from all corners of the globe. “I love exploring food from all over the world,” he shares, his eyes lighting up at the thought. For Yuki, food isn’t just fuel for his body; it’s a journey, a window into different cultures and traditions, each bite telling a unique story. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of ramen in Japan or a hearty pasta in Italy, Yuki finds joy in discovering new flavours and learning about the culinary landscapes of the countries he visits.
When it comes to favourite places, his answer is unsurprising yet heartfelt: “Can’t go wrong with Japan. It’s home turf.” The familiarity and warmth of his homeland provide him with a sense of comfort and grounding.
For Yuki Tsunoda, healthy living encompasses more than just a physical regimen or a strict diet; it’s about being mindful, staying grounded, and creating a lifestyle that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. Japan may be his anchor, but his journey in F1 and his work with Plantaform are the roadmaps he’s using to build a legacy of health, happiness, and sustainability. Through his fast-paced world, he’s showing that a commitment to well-being is the ultimate fuel—one that keeps him moving forward, with purpose and poise.