The Red Bull team has presented Yuki Tsunoda with an encouraging enhancement aimed at revitalizing his Formula 1 campaign, as evidenced by the Japanese driver’s impressive seventh-place qualification at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Mirroring the experiences of his predecessors, Tsunoda has found it challenging to fully adapt to the intricate RB21 since succeeding Liam Lawson at the Japanese GP in April.
Tsunoda’s disappointing accumulation of just seven points in 10 races, starkly contrasting with Verstappen’s 137 during the same period, has caused considerable unease within Red Bull, as the team currently occupies fourth position in the constructors’ championship with a significant performance deficit.
The Japanese driver’s pursuit of consistency and forward momentum suffered a setback at Imola, where a qualifying crash resulted in the destruction of a new floor and other vital components. This incident placed him at a disadvantage in terms of specifications compared to Verstappen. Red Bull has since been carefully managing its spare parts production, prioritizing Verstappen’s needs even further.
As the Spa event unfolds, Tsunoda continues to operate with a car that lacks several updated components compared to his teammate. However, following the conclusion of the Belgian GP’s sprint race, Red Bull made a last-minute decision to provide the 25-year-old with a spare floor before the grand prix qualifying session. This decision carries inherent risks, as any damage sustained during qualifying could potentially lead to a violation of parc ferme regulations and further setbacks at the upcoming race in Budapest.
Equipped with the latest floor version, Tsunoda made it back into Q3, securing his best Red Bull grid position in seventh, a mere three tenths behind Verstappen. While this result might not typically warrant excessive celebration for a team with Red Bull’s dominant history, the spare parts gamble serves as a clear demonstration of support for Tsunoda, which he expressed gratitude for as he prepares for his 100th grand prix start.
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Tsunoda remarked, “Since we embarked on the session with a vastly different car configuration, there were indeed some challenges to overcome. However, I must admit that I was pleased to receive the upgrade. F1 cars in today’s racing landscape are meticulously fine-tuned, often right up until the last possible moment, and the mechanics truly poured their hearts into this endeavor. They successfully prepared the car, even though they wouldn’t typically have completed the task in time for qualifying. Their dedication alone means a great deal to me.”
He further added, “I believe that I could have pushed a bit harder, but I am aware that more enhancements are on the horizon. While they may not arrive immediately, I am hopeful that these upgrades will enable us to consistently secure substantial points.”
Tsunoda expressed his belief that the upgrade played a pivotal role in securing his Q3 entry, confirming his prior assertion that he had already been steadily improving his one-lap performance, despite the fact that the results had not yet reflected this progress.
“The session was considerably more enjoyable compared to previous races, and I extend my sincere gratitude to the team,” he conveyed to Sky Sports F1. “The upgrade undoubtedly represents a significant advancement, which we were already aware of. It is substantial enough to position us in a different light compared to other races.”
He continued, “On paper, we were at least confident that we were progressing in the right direction. The gap was gradually diminishing, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate this progress. Now, I must focus on concluding the race with a strong points finish, as that is the ultimate objective.”
Reflecting on his reunion with Mekies, who is known to be a staunch supporter of Tsunoda, having witnessed his Racing Bulls performances firsthand, he remarked, “Yes, it was quite amusing because during my time at Racing Bulls, when I consistently progressed from Q2 to Q3, he would often smile at me from the pitwall, conveying his happiness. The exact same scenario unfolded today as well. He smiled and acknowledged that I had done a commendable job. It was indeed a pleasant recollection from the past.”
Mekies, when commenting on Tsunoda’s performance to F1 TV, stated, “For Yuki, this weekend has marked a very significant step forward, and it is gratifying to see him in Q3. I am confident that this accomplishment will provide him with a substantial boost in confidence.”
He further elaborated, “We upgraded his car just before the qualifying session, as we are constantly pushing the boundaries of our car parts inventory. However, we made the decision to take the risk and proceed with the upgrade. This explains why we were slightly delayed in entering the qualifying session, but it was a worthwhile endeavor for everyone involved. It undoubtedly contributed to enhancing his performance and enabling him to achieve a very, very high level.”
