Yuki Tsunoda Adjusts to Red Bull Challenge Ahead of Miami Grand Prix
Yuki Tsunoda acknowledges that he requires more time to maximize the potential of the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car, following a challenging start to his tenure with the team. After joining Red Bull as a replacement for Liam Lawson, Tsunoda has scored just two points in three races aboard the RB21—a car noted for its handling difficulties.
Starting the season with Sister team Racing Bulls, Tsunoda secured his first points with a ninth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix. However, a crash in Saudi Arabia has highlighted the learning curve he faces. As he prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, Tsunoda states, "It just needs more time to get used to it fully."
Tsunoda has struggled particularly with qualifying, where he described the car’s behavior as "a new kind of behaviour." He aims to identify the limits of the RB21, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of its dynamics: "In qualifying… if you push 100%, you’re facing it almost for the first time."
Competing alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen presents additional difficulties, as the expectations are high and the performance disparity is significant. Tsunoda noted that while driving a less forgiving car like Red Bull’s can be harder, he is optimistic about his progress. "Sometimes you just have to accept the kind of difficulties of the car," he explained, indicating that he is focused on maintaining good lap times despite the car’s quirks.
Overall, Tsunoda’s insight reflects both his commitment to improvement and the inherent challenges posed by the intricacies of the RB21, as he looks to enhance his performance in the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.
