Yuki Tsunoda has acknowledged the challenges in adapting to the Red Bull RB21, emphasizing that no Red Bull driver has instantly mastered the car. Speaking before the 2025 British Grand Prix, the Japanese racer highlighted the ongoing learning curve with the RB21, expressing hope that upcoming car upgrades will aid his performance. His reflections provide insight into the dynamics behind Max Verstappen Red Bull adaptation and the contrasting pace of progress between the team’s lead driver and his teammate.
Adjusting to the Demands of the RB21 Proves Difficult for Most Drivers
The established view in Formula 1 paddocks is that the Red Bull car is tailored to Max Verstappen’s unique driving style, presenting extra hurdles for his teammates. Tsunoda himself has adapted more effectively than his predecessor, Liam Lawson, yet the pattern remains clear: becoming comfortable with the RB21 is a gradual process rather than an immediate achievement. Tsunoda stressed that the timeframe for adjustment depends on the individual driver and that he still awaits the fully upgraded RB21 package, which he believes will help close the gap to Verstappen’s pace.
While Tsunoda has made progress, particularly in short-run performance, he admitted difficulties persist, especially in long-run consistency. He has also experimented with new driving techniques tailored to the RB21’s characteristics, which differ significantly from his experience driving the VCARB. Building confidence throughout race weekends is now a central part of his approach, contrasting the more instinctive familiarity he had with his previous car.
Responding to questions on his adaptation timeline, Tsunoda said:
“I mean, I don’t know. It depends on the driver, but also at the same time, I didn’t see yet so far the driver who probably got used to it in that car straight away. So that’s probably the fact, but at the same time, I feel I’m in the right direction, at least on the short runs. Yeah, I missed out probably Q1 in Austria, but at the same time, the gap was pretty small. Also in terms of the whole package, I know there’s something to come as well into this year compared to Max. So once I get the full package, I still have good confidence that I can be in a level that they want. That’s what I’m working hard on. In terms of the long run is exactly the place that I’m still probably struggling at, but I’ll find a way.”
“I saw a couple of driving styles that I can try that I have never tried in my career in Formula 1. It’s just the learning stuff. Is it true that in terms of confidence, when the condition changes every session, maybe I’m taking a little bit more time compared to where I used to have at VCARB where for example, I knew exactly how the car was going to drive in each set-up, I can go flat out from the first push. But maybe in the Red Bull, I had to build up, which for me is the right approach. I don’t think it’s a wrong approach, but just takes a bit of time. I don’t know if it’s going to take a whole season or not, but at least it’s positive that I’m going in the right direction,” Yuki Tsunoda added.
Support from Red Bull Leadership Eases Tsunoda’s Transition
Tsunoda also praised the support he has received from Red Bull’s senior management, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, during his ongoing adaptation to the RB21. Ahead of the British GP, the Japanese driver revealed that they have allowed him the necessary space and time to find his footing, avoiding undue pressure that could hinder his progress.
This patience is something Tsunoda appreciates, noting that Red Bull has been more accommodating with him than with previous teammates in similar situations. The environment has enabled the 22-year-old to steadily develop his understanding of the car, while feeling motivated by the team’s willingness to allow experimentation with his approach. Tsunoda shared:
“Definitely, yeah. I mean, I feel definitely the support, especially these days and more than ever, from Christian, Helmut. I went to the south of UK with a physio at Red Bull Racing to kind of reset myself, and that was coming from them. They just wanted to have fresh air and everything. So that helps a lot to me to build up my rhythm. Also, we’re going to try a couple of things that I never tried, and they allow me to do quite a lot of things that probably they wouldn’t do in a normal case. So, yeah, definitely.”
Performance Gap Reveals Team’s Heavy Reliance on Verstappen
Despite signs of progress, Tsunoda’s impact on the championship so far has been limited, with only seven points scored across eight races. In comparison, Verstappen has amassed 155 of the team’s 162 points, underscoring the enormous gap between the lead driver and his teammate. The disparity has placed Red Bull fourth in the constructors’ standings, highlighting the critical need for a strong secondary driver to reinforce Verstappen’s efforts.
The challenges facing Red Bull became especially clear during the Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen’s retirement after contact with Kimi Antonelli left the team without any points for the first time in four seasons. This result amplified the pressure on Tsunoda to step up and deliver consistent support to maintain Red Bull’s position in the championship fight.
Looking ahead to the British Grand Prix, Red Bull arrives equipped with an upgrade package designed to address performance shortfalls. The team will be counting on improvements from both drivers, expecting Tsunoda to build on his development and complement Verstappen more effectively. The upgrades and continued adaptation will be crucial as the team aims to stay competitive throughout the demanding 2025 season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet shared that they had a baby right before the Miami Grand Prix. They proudly announced the birth of their daughter.
