Yuki Tsunoda is breaking new ground as he gears up to race with the same Red Bull RB21 as Max Verstappen, following significant upgrades for the Imola GP.
- After stepping up to Red Bull Racing, Tsunoda is excited yet uncertain about the new updates, particularly the new floor, and its potential gains on the track.
- Christian Horner praises Tsunoda’s energy and adaptability, yet recognizes the challenges he faces in aligning with Verstappen’s level of confidence and experience.
- Tsunoda is hopeful to deliver strong results despite an unpredictable feel when navigating corners, often contrasting the assurance exhibited by his teammate Max Verstappen.
- As Yuki Tsunoda sits at 11th in the Driver’s Championship, this race could be pivotal for both his confidence and position.
Yuki Tsunoda steps into the spotlight as he prepares to race with the same upgrades as Max Verstappen, marking a substantial moment in his career with Red Bull Racing. Arriving at the third round of the F1 2025 championship, Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson after the latter struggled during the initial races in Australia and China. While Tsunoda has shown promise, scoring six points compared to Verstappen’s sixty-three, he faces the challenge of adapting to the RB21’s upgrades.
At the Imola GP, Tsunoda will drive the Red Bull RB21 fitted with a newly upgraded floor, akin to what Verstappen had at the Miami Grand Prix. While Verstappen thrived, securing pole position before finishing fourth, Tsunoda remains wary about the tangible benefit of these upgrades. He openly admits his uncertainty regarding the new floor’s performance, saying, “I don’t know, I think so,” when questioned about the potential advantages.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, commends Tsunoda’s progress, stating: “He’s finding his feet, he’s brought a decent amount of experience and he’s giving good feedback.” Horner appreciates Tsunoda’s positive energy and rapid adaptability, acknowledging the inevitable learning curve as Tsunoda becomes more familiar with the nuances of the Red Bull car. While Tsunoda’s natural talent is evident, mastering the RB21 requires adjusting to its distinct handling characteristics, which can feel unpredictable compared to his previous experience.
Tsunoda expresses a cautious optimism. He notes, “I’ve not really defined yet what kind of window or timing I should turn in exactly,” highlighting the intricacies of steering and speed during cornering. Despite the technical challenges, he remains hopeful, anticipating a closer alignment with Verstappen’s pace and understanding of the car over the coming races. This upgrade might just be the edge he needs to inch closer to the top of the standings.
Currently placed 11th in the Drivers’ Championship with nine points, Tsunoda’s upcoming performance is critical. Racing at Imola with an upgraded car presents both a challenge and an opportunity to elevate his standing and performance. Embracing the chance to drive the ‘same car as Max,’ Tsunoda is poised to harness these advancements and further his F1 journey.
Tsunoda’s race at Imola with the enhanced RB21 could define his path forward in the 2025 season.
