25.04.2026 21:41
The meeting between national volleyball player Hande Baladın and Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda in Istanbul was marked by the striking height difference between the pair. These moments shared on social media quickly became a trending topic.
National volleyball player Hande Baladın met with Red Bull Racing's test and reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda in Istanbul.
TSUNODA MEETS HANDE BALADIN
Tsunoda, who was in Istanbul for the return of the Oracle Red Bull Racing car to Turkey after 5 years, toured important cultural areas of the city such as Haydarpaşa Port and Maiden's Tower. The Japanese driver later met with Red Bull athlete Hande Baladın at Istanbul Park.
TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
What drew the most attention in the photo of the two successful athletes together and became a trend on social media was undoubtedly the height difference between them. The pose of Tsunoda, who is 1.59 meters tall, next to the 1.90-meter "Sultan of the Net" quickly became a hot topic among sports fans.
"I BOTH EXPLORED THE CITY AND ATE DELICIOUS FOOD"
Yuki Tsunoda expressed his happiness about being in Istanbul, saying, "It feels great to be back in Istanbul. I didn't have much chance to explore last time. This time, I both explored the city and ate very delicious food. Istanbul Park is an amazing track. It's a lot of fun to drive here."
"WE HAD MET AGAIN IN ISTANBUL"
Hande Baladın emphasized her joy at reuniting with the Japanese racing driver after 5 years, adding, "Experiencing the Oracle Red Bull Racing car up close and holding its steering wheel was very exciting. Yuki and I had met again in Istanbul in 2021. As a Red Bull athlete, I am happy to see the Oracle Red Bull Racing team in Turkey, and I will follow the races closely next year."
WATER POURED BEHIND IT
With promotional drives held at various points in Istanbul, the city once again felt the Formula 1 atmosphere. The promotion also featured one of the traditional farewell gestures of Turkish culture. Water was poured behind the Oracle Red Bull Racing car with the wish that it would "go safely and return safely."
FORMULA 1 IN TURKEY FOR 5 YEARS
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced at a press conference held yesterday at the Dolmabahçe Working Office that Formula 1 races will be held in Istanbul again for 5 years starting from 2027.