Yuki Tsunoda impresses with his first points in the RB21 at Bahrain.
- Tsunoda steps up following Liam Lawson with an impressive debut.
- Achieving a spot in Q3 marked a turning point for Tsunoda.
- While Verstappen struggled, Tsunoda showcased potential in Bahrain.
- Challenges with car balance, grip are Red Bull’s focus this season.
Yuki Tsunoda, finally in the spotlight, has started making significant strides in his Formula 1 journey. After taking over from Liam Lawson, Tsunoda’s performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix was more than just remarkable; it was promising for Red Bull Racing. Starting his tenure with the team at the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda quickly adapted and set ambitious benchmarks, ultimately scoring his first points in the 2025 season driving the RB21.
The Japanese driver managed to qualify in Q3 for the first time, landing the tenth position just ahead of the race day, and eventually clinching ninth at the finish line, which earned him two well-deserved points. This achievement was a breath of fresh air for his team, especially on a weekend when Max Verstappen faced unexpected challenges with brakes and performance, finishing in an unusual P6.
Christian Horner, the team principal, was open about Tsunoda’s solid weekend performance, emphasizing his ability to finish within a respectable time gap behind his teammate. He admitted that although Tsunoda experienced brake issues, they were not as pronounced as those of Verstappen, giving him a slight edge in managing the car’s limitations.
Tsunoda pointed out that while the RB21 is a challenging vehicle, especially regarding its narrow operating window, it was still a step forward compared to his previous experience with the VCARB 02. He appreciated the progress made and maintained an optimistic outlook toward future races, focusing on extending the car’s operating window as part of Red Bull’s development plan.
Helmut Marko, a leading figure in Red Bull, openly discussed the team’s current struggles with balance and grip, indicating that the Bahrain performance was a wake-up call for the team. The team recognizes that they need to address these issues efficiently to remain competitive. Despite the hurdles, there is a proactive plan to introduce new parts in the upcoming races, hoping to rectify these problems.
Tsunoda’s remarkable performance in Bahrain marks a promising step forward amidst challenges, paving the way for Red Bull’s hopeful improvements.
