Jacques Villeneuve, the former Formula 1 World Champion, recently stated that Yuki Tsunoda is likely the worst teammate Max Verstappen has ever had. This opinion was shared shortly after the Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting Villeneuve’s frustration with the Japanese driver’s performance in comparison to Verstappen’s dominance. Villeneuve explained these views during an interview with Vision4sport, focusing on Verstappen’s history with teammates and Tsunoda’s failure to meet expectations.
Villeneuve emphasized that many believe it is unfair for the Red Bull car to be tailored for Verstappen, but added that Verstappen’s input is uniquely valuable for the team. He said:
“Tsunoda is probably the worst of them all so far. A lot of people say it’s unfair that the car is made for Max. But Max might be the only one who actually gives good feedback to the team. So yes, they develop the car, so it gets better and better for him.”
This underscores Villeneuve’s point that Tsunoda has been unable to contribute effectively to the car’s development or match Verstappen’s feedback level.
Tsunoda’s Struggles Since Replacing Lawson at Red Bull
Earning a promotion earlier this season, Yuki Tsunoda took over from Liam Lawson, who had been unable to justify his place after two races. Although Tsunoda arrived with promise as a former Japanese F4 champion, his time at Red Bull Racing has unfolded disappointingly. His impact has fallen short of both team and fan expectations.
Since joining the team alongside Verstappen, Tsunoda has scored points only three times, with his best finish being ninth at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Currently, he faces a seven-race streak without scoring points, and the Hungarian Grand Prix marked another low point after an early exit in the first round and a 17th-place finish. These results highlight ongoing difficulties in adapting to the car and competing at the highest level.
Tsunoda Reflects on Matching Verstappen’s Pace and Adaptability
During the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Tsunoda was questioned about the challenge of matching Max Verstappen’s performance. At that time, he was struggling with a four-race drought without points and openly discussed the demanding nature of his current situation.
Addressing what it takes to compete with Verstappen, Tsunoda conceded that adjusting to the Red Bull car is tough for any driver. He noted:
“It depends on the driver, but so far, I haven’t seen anyone who’s been able to adapt to the car immediately. That seems to be a fact. At least on short runs, I feel like I’m heading in the right direction.”
He also shared his commitment to improvement, acknowledging the ongoing challenges with longer race runs and experimenting with new driving techniques:
“…I’m confident I can reach the level they expect. That’s what I’m working on. The long runs are where I’m still struggling. I’ve identified some driving styles to try, things I’ve never done before in my Formula 1 career. It’s a learning process. When the conditions change every session, I might take more time to adapt than I did at VCARB, where I could push flat-out from the first lap.”
The Context of Verstappen’s Dominant Teammates and Team Decisions
Max Verstappen’s career has been marked by a strong track record of outperforming his teammates. This trend further fuels scrutiny on Tsunoda’s performance since joining Red Bull. One of Verstappen’s recent teammates, Sergio Perez, was dropped from the team at the conclusion of the 2024 season due to underwhelming results and a growing performance gap compared to Verstappen.
Neither Tsunoda nor his predecessor Lawson has been able to fill the void left by Perez effectively. This situation reinforces the perception that Verstappen’s current teammates have struggled to meet the standards set by the four-time world champion. Tsunoda’s ongoing difficulties amplify concerns about his capacity to support the team’s objectives and compete at Verstappen’s level.
Implications for Tsunoda and Red Bull Moving Forward
Villeneuve’s harsh assessment places Tsunoda under considerable pressure as he continues attempting to close the gap on Verstappen. With the points drought extending and performance questions mounting, Tsunoda faces a critical period to prove his worth to Red Bull Racing. The team must evaluate whether he can evolve into a reliable partner or if further changes are needed to maintain their competitive edge.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda’s ability to adapt his driving style during variable conditions and contribute more constructive feedback to the car’s development will be closely monitored. His progress or lack thereof will likely influence future team decisions, as Red Bull aims to retain its position at the forefront of Formula 1.
