Yuki Tsunoda gets another shot at Formula 1 this weekend in Madrid, standing in for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, while Lawson races for Red Bull in place of the injured Isack Hadjar. But the spotlight is on Tsunoda's candid admission about the intricacies of the 2026 generation cars.
Tsunoda's debut at the Dutch Grand Prix with Racing Bulls seemed smooth. He finished just outside the points but ahead of teammate Arvid Lindblad. However, at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, he struggled mightily. Throughout practice and qualifying, he lagged behind Lindblad, and during the race restart, he lined up in the wrong grid spot. He finished 10th, but that result is pending an Audi protest, which claims he should have been penalized for forcing another formation lap.
"I tended to forget quite a lot SM [Straightline Mode] last week, especially Turn 8 to Turn 10," he explained in Madrid. "There's been more activation points than last year. And also, it's a lot of work I have to do in the out lap, not to use the energy. But obviously, if you don't use the energy, the tyres are going to be cold, so you want to be sometimes aggressive in order where you need to be. You want to start the lap with 100% battery, but this sacrifice in places, where to do it, where to not, was very complicated – and something that I fucked up quite a lot in qualifying. And the consequence was huge."
The 2026 cars are indeed more complex. With a near 50:50 power split between the electric motor and internal combustion engine, the driving style is often counter-intuitive. Drivers don't always maximize cornering speed; instead, they must manage active aerodynamics and specific throttle positions. The optimal lap often demands strict discipline to avoid confusing the machine-learning algorithms that map ideal electrical deployment through the lap.
Monza exacerbated the difficulties because its layout offers few opportunities to harvest energy. For a fast lap, drivers need a slipstream and a deep understanding of how to exploit the limited electrical power. "It's like you have to look on the steering monitor more," Tsunoda said. "Somehow, you have to also be slightly more sensitive on throttle, especially in the out-lap. It is weird, especially in the out-lap..."
Tsunoda admits he messed up quite a lot. Now he faces a new challenge in Madrid, a track he has never driven with this generation of cars. Madrid offers different corners and characteristics, demanding quick adaptation. Racing Bulls hope Tsunoda can use his Monza experience to perform better.
For Tsunoda, this is his third F1 race of 2026. He must prove he can overcome the new car's complexity and provide valuable technical feedback to the team. Competition on the grid is fierce, and every mistake can be costly. Yet, with his honest attitude and willingness to learn, Tsunoda still has a chance to showcase his abilities.
Baca Juga
Yuki Tsunoda mengaku kesulitan beradaptasi dengan mobil F1 2026 di Monza, terutama dalam mengelola energi dan mode straightline. Simak analisisnya.
Esteban Ocon buka suara soal masa depannya di Haas F1 di tengah rumor kepindahan ke tim rival. Diskusi kontrak masih berlangsung.
Fritz Enzinger ungkap detail kegagalan kesepakatan Red Bull-Porsche senilai miliaran dolar. Negosiasi sudah sangat jauh, bahkan ada jabat tangan antara CEO VW dan Mateschitz.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!