Tsunoda Struggles for Pace in Spanish GP Practice Sessions
Yuki Tsunoda expressed confusion over his performance during the opening practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix, revealing he was "at a loss" regarding his lack of pace. The Red Bull driver clocked a time six tenths slower than teammate Max Verstappen during soft-tyre qualifying simulations, despite a smooth run in both practice sessions.
Tsunoda reported experiencing sliding at both axles, which contributed to his struggles. GPS data highlighted a marked deficiency in corner speed, particularly through Turns 9 and 10, compared to Verstappen. “I just don’t have any idea why I am slow,” Tsunoda stated, emphasizing a desire to rectify the issues before the race weekend progresses.
While Tsunoda faced challenges, Verstappen described his own Friday as "OK." The Dutchman noted an improved feeling in the car and acknowledged the track conditions were hot, impacting tire performance. Verstappen reflected, "We’ve had worse Fridays, but I felt a bit happier with the car," underscoring a need for further adjustments to optimize performance.
As the team prepares for qualifying, Tsunoda faces a "longer night than usual" to troubleshoot the car’s limitations, while Verstappen looks to build on the positive momentum heading into the weekend.
