The Bahrain Grand Prix was a reality check for Red Bull as both their drivers faced challenges on the track.
Max Verstappen, a four-time World Champion, found himself in unfamiliar territory at the Bahrain GP, finishing in sixth place. Meanwhile, his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, managed a ninth-place finish. Tsunoda revealed a surprising detail about Verstappen’s struggle with the RB21 car, claiming even the seasoned champion lacked clarity on how to improve the vehicle’s performance during the race weekend.
Red Bull had entered Bahrain with high hopes, especially following Verstappen’s recent pole position and victory at Suzuka. However, an unexpected electronics issue added to their woes, particularly during pit-stops, emphasizing the need for a strategy overhaul before the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Tsunoda pointed out the specific difficulties the team faced with the RB21 at Bahrain. He noted that the track exaggerated certain weaknesses of the car, particularly issues with the brakes that he had experienced and vocalized since the first practice session. Despite bringing it up, immediate fixes were not feasible, forcing him to focus on other areas.
Verstappen’s struggles were further highlighted by Tsunoda, who explained that the Dutchman was unable to find ways to adapt the car to his liking due to constant challenges such as sliding and a lack of responsiveness to setup changes. While Verstappen was attempting various strategies, Tsunoda focused on his own learning curve, given his relatively newer status in the team.
Adding to the intrigue, Tsunoda spoke about Verstappen’s remarkable sensitivity to the car, particularly in how he perceives tire temperatures and adapts to changing conditions during qualifying. Tsunoda admitted he was not yet able to match this sensitivity, which made a noticeable difference in their performances.
Reflecting on his own experience, Tsunoda mentioned that while he acknowledges the gap in control compared to Verstappen, he is unexpectedly content with his progress. He emphasized the importance of understanding minor details to improve performance under the current regulations, especially with the tires’ sensitivities.
The Bahrain GP was a tough lesson for Red Bull and its drivers. Both Verstappen and Tsunoda faced unique challenges, but with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on the horizon, there’s an opportunity for redemption. Red Bull is undoubtedly working to address the highlighted issues and return to the top of the leaderboard.
