Struggles Continue for Tsunoda at Red Bull
Overview
In a disappointing start to his tenure at Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda has faced challenges extracting competitive lap times from the RB21, continuing a trend for drivers stepping into the crucial seat since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2019. Over five races, Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson, has yet to find the pace needed for a successful performance.
Historical Context
Historically, drivers transitioning from Red Bull’s junior team have struggled to adapt. Ricciardo famously maintained competitiveness against teammate Max Verstappen, but since then, most replacements have encountered difficulties. Sergio Pérez is the only exception, having completed four seasons without faltering.
Expert Insights
Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon, who made a similar move from Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) to the main team, shared insights on the challenges involved. "The [Red Bull Racing] cars are on a knife edge," Albon remarked ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, pointing out that while the RB chassis is generally well-balanced, it can be unforgiving. "You’re going from one of the most forgiving cars to one of the trickiest," he added.
Technical Challenges
Current regulations have reduced the amount of testing available to rookie drivers, making adaptation a daunting task. The latest generation of ground-effect cars is designed with lower ground clearance, resulting in stiffer suspensions and less predictability, particularly at cornering limits.
Despite having experience—Tsunoda is preparing for his 100th Grand Prix—he continues to struggle with the RB21’s handling. Recent reports of a two-day test in Barcelona for Tsunoda were linked to Pirelli’s tyre development for 2026 rather than a focused test for the RB21 itself.
Future Considerations
As Red Bull decides Tsunoda’s fate, he faces pressure to maximize available track time. Albon emphasized that while he believes Tsunoda can adapt with experience, many drivers find this transition challenging. "It’s not something that feels natural to most drivers," he concluded.
The situation remains pivotal as the F1 season progresses, and Tsunoda must demonstrate his capability to leverage every opportunity in the RB21 if he hopes to secure a permanent position within the team.
