In a weekend filled with ups and downs, Yuki Tsunoda faced a tough challenge during his debut with Red Bull at the Suzuka Circuit. Despite a promising start, the Japanese driver found himself struggling to adapt to the intricate demands of the RB21, ultimately leading to his elimination in Q2 of the qualifying session.
Tsunoda’s weekend kicked off with promise as he quickly showed his ability to adapt, positioning himself just behind teammate Max Verstappen during the first practice session. This immediate adjustment to the new car raised hopes, yet the narrative shifted dramatically as qualifying unfolded. Verstappen clinched an unexpected pole position, but Tsunoda could not replicate that magic, securing 15th place, just behind the Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, whom he replaced.
Tsunoda explained the challenges he encountered during qualifying, noting that maintaining the RB21 in its optimal performance window proved difficult. “Q1 felt pretty good,” he remarked, “but I just missed the window. The operating window of this car is very narrow, and especially in Q2 run two, I didn’t achieve the warm-up I managed before.” Tsunoda acknowledged a significant gust in Turn 2 caused an unexpected moment, hindering his performance. Despite these hurdles, he highlighted his good pace in Q1, mentioning his rising confidence in the car and acknowledging the steep learning curve of his new role.
Handling the pressure of elevated expectations in a new team environment is never straightforward. Tsunoda, however, shared that he’s managing well, saying, “I feel okay in terms of pressure. This year, my mindset is to enjoy and feel the car.” While acknowledging the RB21’s difficult handling compared to his previous car, he expressed optimism about understanding its complexities better.
The setup divergence between Verstappen and Tsunoda was notable. Tsunoda’s choice to opt for higher downforce wings on his RB21 aimed to enhance stability, but it cost him in terms of outright speed. Tsunoda downplayed the impact, focusing instead on the learning curve of maximizing the car’s rear end potential. “Here, the setup is usually tailored for high speed,” he explained, “and I feel the car drives on the edge with the rear.” This setup insight gives him a glimpse of strategies for future performances.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team boss, expressed satisfaction with Tsunoda’s performance, acknowledging his speed throughout the weekend. Despite not advancing as expected in Q2, Horner noted Tsunoda’s competitive edge in Q1, placing him within a tenth of Verstappen and just one spot behind. Tsunoda’s misstep at Turn 1 during his last run prevented recovery, yet Horner believed he could have easily made the top 10.
Starting from 14th on the grid due to a penalty received by Carlos Sainz, Tsunoda remains focused on the race, aiming to uncover more of the RB21’s potential. “I’ll be patient,” he shared, understanding the need to sync better with the car. Recognizing the journey ahead, Tsunoda views the race as an opportunity to learn and improve, especially in varying weather conditions.
As Yuki Tsunoda reflects on his Red Bull debut, the experience reveals both the challenges and the learning opportunities in his new environment. Despite a challenging start, his determination to adapt and learn from each session shows promise for better performances ahead. With a focus on understanding the RB21’s nuances, Tsunoda is set to refine his approach and embrace the journey with Red Bull, starting with the upcoming race day.
