Tsunoda Reverts to Older Floor Specification After Imola Crash Ahead of Monaco GP
Monte Carlo, Monaco — Yuki Tsunoda faces an uphill challenge at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend following his significant qualifying crash at Imola. The incident, where he lost control of his Red Bull RB21 at the Tamburello chicane, resulted in extensive damage, forcing the team to revert to an earlier floor specification.
Tsunoda’s crash occurred during Q1, leading him to miss out on using the updated floor design that his teammate, Max Verstappen, successfully utilized in Miami. As a result, Tsunoda will race with the team’s pre-Miami floor, which he acknowledges places him at a disadvantage relative to Verstappen.
“In terms of package, I never ran the full new setup yet; even in Imola, it was a little different,” Tsunoda explained. “My crash means I’m stepping back, which is my fault.”
Despite starting from the pit lane in Imola and finishing in 10th, the incident highlighted a need for Tsunoda to better understand the car’s response to setup changes. “Imola qualifying wouldn’t have happened if I understood the car’s behavior properly,” he asserted. “It’s just a learning curve for me.”
Nightmare circumstances await in Monaco, noted for its tight circuits and minimal room for error. Tsunoda expressed confidence in his familiarity with the track, stating, “I quite like it and had good memories the last two years.”
The Red Bull team has also implemented circuit-specific upgrades for Monaco, including a higher-downforce rear wing and revised brake ducts to enhance cooling, alongside a tweaked front suspension aimed at improving steering lock for the slow hairpin.
As the weekend unfolds, Tsunoda aims to build speed progressively, a strategy essential for success on one of the most challenging circuits in the sport. “You can’t approach this track the same way as others; it’s all about gradually building confidence,” he concluded.
