Yuki Tsunoda: Adapting to the Demands of Red Bull Racing
Yuki Tsunoda is finding his footing in Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing, following a challenging transition from sister team Racing Bulls. After stepping in for the struggling Liam Lawson after just two races, Tsunoda has shown glimpses of potential but has experienced the difficulties of mastering the RB21.
In his first three races with Red Bull, Tsunoda has accumulated only two points, highlighting the steep learning curve. "It just needs more time to get used to it fully," Tsunoda remarked ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. He acknowledged that qualifying remains a critical area for improvement, as he navigates the nuances of a car that demands an exacting driving style.
The 24-year-old driver scored his first points in Bahrain with a ninth-place finish, but faced setbacks, including a crash in Saudi Arabia. As he prepares for his fourth race, Tsunoda recognizes the challenges ahead. "Sometimes you just have to accept the kind of difficulties of the car," he stated, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in response to the car’s behavior during races.
Tsunoda has taken on a particularly challenging role partnering with four-time world champion Max Verstappen, whose unique driving style necessitates a specific approach to vehicle setup. "Definitely Red Bull has a sharper, kind of narrower window that they can form," Tsunoda explained, comparing it to his previous experience with a less demanding car.
As Tsunoda continues to learn the intricacies of the RB21, he remains committed to refining his skills and is optimistic about his prospects in the upcoming races.
