Austrian Grand Prix Qualifying Report: Tsunoda’s Struggles Continue
Yuki Tsunoda faced another setback in his tumultuous 2025 season, exiting qualifying in Q1 for the Austrian Grand Prix and securing the 18th spot on the grid. The Japanese driver has struggled to adapt to the nuances of the Red Bull RB21, which is notorious for its narrow operating window.
Tsunoda’s frustration was evident post-qualifying, particularly after a second run that drastically deviated from his promising first attempt. "The balance felt completely different between the first push and second push," he noted, adding that the issues were pervasive, stating bluntly, "Everywhere, yeah."
Despite beginning the season strongly with Racing Bulls, Tsunoda’s confidence took a hit as he transitioned to Red Bull. Teammate Max Verstappen also faced challenges, qualifying seventh, underlining the car’s difficult handling characteristics.
"Expectations were high, especially after the first run," Tsunoda admitted. "I thought at least Q3 was within reach." Acknowledging the car’s limitations, he explained, "This kind of very narrow window car wants to be as consistent as possible," a sentiment echoed by Verstappen.
Looking ahead to the race, Tsunoda expressed concern over his limited strategy options. "It’s only soft tyres, so not great for strategy," he stated, aware that competitors would likely opt for medium or hard tyre compounds.
A setup change remains a possibility, but could result in a pit lane start for Tsunoda. He expressed weariness with consistently qualifying in the bottom positions, stating, "I’m really tired of starting with a P18 or P19."
Despite the qualifying woes, Tsunoda remains hopeful for race day. "I’ll try my best to score points," he concluded, emphasizing that he feels improvements can be made during long runs, albeit acknowledging the challenges of racing in dirty air.
With limited options from the 18th position, Tsunoda’s ability to capitalize on race pace will be crucial in tomorrow’s event.
