Yuki Tsunoda Struggles for Pace in Spanish GP Practice Sessions
Barcelona, Spain – Yuki Tsunoda experienced significant challenges during the opening practice sessions of the Spanish Grand Prix, expressing confusion over a notable lack of pace despite two relatively smooth runs. The Red Bull driver concluded the sessions six-tenths behind teammate Max Verstappen, leading to questions about car performance and driving balance.
Tsunoda noted on team radio that he was dealing with excessive sliding at both axles, impacting his overall speed. "I just don’t have any idea why I am slow," he admitted. His long runs on both medium and soft tyres revealed a substantial deficit compared to Verstappen, particularly in crucial corners like Turns 9 and 10, according to GPS data.
Reflecting on his performance, Tsunoda stated, "It was tricky… I think I made progress from FP1 to FP2, but the gap is still not what I’d expect," indicating uncertainty over the source of his difficulties. He emphasized the need for a thorough examination to address the issues before qualifying.
Conversely, Verstappen reported a more encouraging day, labeling his Friday experience as "OK." He acknowledged a positive shift in car feel compared to earlier race weekends and stated, "I felt a bit happier with the car," although he still seeks further improvements.
The reigning champion described the track conditions as challenging but manageable, expressing optimism for the upcoming sessions. "We’ve had worse Fridays," he remarked, underscoring a growing confidence as the team prepares for qualifying.
As the teams head into the night before race day, Tsunoda’s ongoing search for speed will be critical, while Verstappen aims to refine his setup further for improved performance. The next sessions will be pivotal in determining both drivers’ competitiveness in this year’s Spanish GP.
