Yuki Tsunoda has finally opened up about his struggles with the Red Bull RB21 throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season. Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the Japanese driver admitted that even after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, he still didn't understand the car that left him 17th in the drivers' standings.
Tsunoda's promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2025 was meant to be his big break. After Liam Lawson lasted just two races, Tsunoda got the golden chance to partner Max Verstappen. But the dream turned into a nightmare. Out of 27 qualifying sessions, he reached Q3 only eight times, was eliminated in Q2 nine times, and dropped out in Q1 ten times. He outqualified Verstappen just once, with an average deficit of 0.6 seconds.
“Normally I'm able to understand the car, what I'm driving, what kind of characteristic,” Tsunoda said. “But it feels like even after Abu Dhabi, I didn't know what kind of car I was driving. I still don't understand what was the issue and what things made me very struggle to learn about this car and get used to the car.”
The difficulties weren't without reason. The Red Bull RB21 is known for its strong front-end grip and oversteer tendency—characteristics Tsunoda actually likes. “I personally love cars that turn aggressively,” he said before his debut. “But the adaptation wasn't as easy as I thought.”
The stark contrast in points tells the story. Verstappen scored 385 points and eight wins, while Tsunoda managed only 30 points with a best finish of sixth in Baku. This put Tsunoda in a tough spot, especially with Max Verstappen always performing at his peak.
The pressure at a team like Red Bull is immense. Every driver is expected to perform immediately, with little time for adaptation. Tsunoda admitted he lost confidence in some races. “I thought confidence was there, but some race I just somehow lost the confidence,” he added.
Tsunoda's case echoes Felipe Massa's struggles at Ferrari in 2012 alongside Fernando Alonso. The difference is Tsunoda didn't get a chance to turn things around. Now, he must accept the harsh reality: losing his F1 seat for 2026.
Analysis suggests the RB21 may be too sensitive to certain driving styles. Verstappen could adapt quickly, while Tsunoda needed time he didn't have. This failure is a valuable lesson in how difficult it is to be a world champion's teammate.
Baca Juga
Sprint Race di Monaco 2027 menuai pro dan kontra. F1 coba menghidupkan kualifikasi dan mengurangi kebosanan balapan di sirkuit jalanan ikonik.
Aston Martin berharap Fernando Alonso tidak pensiun secara dramatis. Mike Krack yakin bisa capai solusi, tetapi enggan bicara Plan B. Simak analisisnya.
Lando Norris bereaksi dingin terhadap keputusan F1 menggelar sprint race di Monaco 2027. Simak komentar lengkapnya dan dampaknya bagi pembalap.
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!