Yuki Tsunoda’s hopes for a strong showing in the 2025 British Grand Prix qualifying were abruptly ended by a sudden power unit failure at Silverstone. The young Red Bull driver had displayed encouraging pace during practice sessions but was struck by the technical issue during a vital stage in Q2, preventing him from advancing to Q3 and securing a better starting position.
Determination amid speculation and disappointment
Facing growing speculation about his future with Red Bull, Tsunoda arrived at Silverstone eager to prove his worth. Just as he was poised for a breakthrough performance, the power loss on his final flying lap left him sidelined. The fine margins of Formula 1 meant that his qualifying time missed a top-ten spot by only one-tenth of a second, relegating him to start the race in eleventh place.
Tsunoda’s response to the setback and team support
Though frustrated by the timing of the power failure, Tsunoda expressed pride in the progress made by his team and appreciated their continued support as he works to regain confidence. While he lamented that the technical malfunction was beyond his control, he remains determined to bounce back during the race and aims to secure valuable points at the British Grand Prix.
Prospects for race day and future impact
With the RB21 car demonstrating signs of improvement and Tsunoda’s confidence growing, attention now turns to his performance on race day. The disappointment of qualifying has intensified his motivation to deliver a strong result, not only for himself but for Red Bull. His journey at Silverstone is far from over, with the possibility of a notable comeback that could reshape the narrative around his season as the event unfolds.
“While acknowledging the unwavering support from Red Bull in rebuilding his confidence, Tsunoda lamented the uncontrollable nature of the power issue that marred his qualifying performance.” —Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull driver
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Yuki Tsunoda ever win a race?
A. After an impressive final effort with Super Aguri, where he earned points twice for the underdog team, Sato truly shone in IndyCar. In 2013, he became the first Asian driver to win an IndyCar race at Long Beach. He went on to win the Indy 500 twice, in 2017 and 2020.
Q. Is Yuki Tsunoda the shortest F1 driver ever?
A. Yuki Tsunoda, at 1.59 meters (5 feet 2 inches), is the shortest driver in Formula 1. He has held this title since he began racing in 2021. Despite his height, Tsunoda is metaphorically referred to as “7 feet tall” for his skill and presence on the track.
