Tsunoda Reverts to Old Floor Design Following Imola Crash Ahead of Monaco GP
Yuki Tsunoda will return to an older floor design for the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, a decision stemming from his significant crash during qualifying at Imola. The incident occurred in Q1 when Tsunoda lost control of his Red Bull at the Tamburello chicane, resulting in substantial damage to his car. Fortunately, Tsunoda emerged unscathed, but the team had to construct a spare chassis, complete with a new power unit and floor.
This setback means Tsunoda will be utilizing a previous-spec floor, which he confirmed impacted his preparation: “In terms of package, to be honest, I never ran the full new package yet. I just made a step back anyway, which is my fault,” he stated. While teammate Max Verstappen debuted the updated floor in Miami, Tsunoda’s Imola crash prevented him from experiencing its full capabilities.
Reflecting on his performance, Tsunoda acknowledged the need for greater familiarity with the car’s setup, expressing, “Imola qualifying… it wouldn’t happen like that if I understand the car.” His lack of experience with the 2023 model, having jumped into the season without testing, adds to the challenge as he seeks to build a stronger foundation for his driving.
The Monaco circuit presents a new set of challenges, characterized by its tight layout and limited run-off areas. Tsunoda commented, “I quite like it, and I had good memories the last two years… I just need to build the confidence and hopefully I can make a good qualifying.”
Red Bull has prepared specific upgrades for Monaco, including a higher-downforce rear wing, revised brake ducts, and modifications to the front suspension to enhance steering response in tight corners. These adjustments aim to optimize performance on the unique street circuit. Tsunoda intends to progressively increase his pace, saying, “I’m just going to build up the pace slowly.”
As the Monaco GP approaches, the team and drivers are strategically focused, with Tsunoda keen to learn from both past experiences and the updated setup ahead of what promises to be a crucial race.
