Yuki Tsunoda finds himself under scrutiny after recent unsatisfactory performances with Red Bull.
- Despite driving an older version of the Red Bull RB21, Tsunoda’s results are disappointing.
- A crash at Imola left his upgraded car in need of repairs, delaying his performance.
- Red Bull faces challenges in the Constructors’ Championship due to Tsunoda’s slow progress.
- The pressure mounts on Tsunoda as his future with Red Bull remains uncertain.
Yuki Tsunoda’s current performance metrics have not been meeting the expectations of the Red Bull team. Despite operating an older version of the Red Bull RB21, Tsunoda’s performance has come under intense scrutiny, highlighted by Helmut Marko, a senior advisor at Red Bull. Marko emphasized that Tsunoda’s recent track record, garnering just one point in the last three races, is considered below par by the team’s standards. Tsunoda’s stint in the last few races has shown a lack of momentum, contrasting heavily with the success of his teammate, Max Verstappen, who is driving the updated version of the RB21.
The troubles for Tsunoda began with a crash during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying session, which resulted in significant damage to his upgraded vehicle. The accident at Imola significantly set back Tsunoda’s progress, as the repairs required extensive time for the team to implement. According to Marko, the team is working diligently to ensure that Tsunoda will have the updated car in time for the Canadian Grand Prix. The crash not only impacted Tsunoda’s current setup but also left him with an outdated vehicle compared to the one Verstappen is currently driving, further highlighting the performance gap.
This performance difference is a considerable concern for Red Bull, as Verstappen alone has contributed 137 of the team’s 144 points this season, leaving Red Bull in fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. The slow adaptation to an F1 car of new-spec by Tsunoda has put Red Bull in a difficult position, especially after the team conceded that they have no realistic chance of capturing the Constructors’ title this season. Marko expressed that the lack of contributions from Tsunoda compared to his teammate is a significant factor in their standings—only increasing the pressure on Tsunoda to improve.
Adding to the pressure is Tsunoda’s unclear future with Red Bull, as there have been no guarantees from the team regarding his retention. This adds a personal stake to Tsunoda’s drive to perform better in upcoming races. Marko openly discussed the urgency for Tsunoda to adjust and deliver performances that could influence the team’s standings favorably. As the races progress, the eyes of Red Bull and F1 enthusiasts will remain fixed on Tsunoda’s ability to rebound from this challenging phase.
Tsunoda’s journey with Red Bull is at a critical juncture, as he faces mounting pressure to improve his performances and secure his place within the team.
