Yuki Tsunoda is steadily gaining confidence as he adapts to the challenges of racing for Red Bull Racing, with team boss Christian Horner expressing strong support amid a demanding transition. After moving from the Racing Bulls junior team following just two races this season, Tsunoda has been given extra opportunities to familiarize himself with the Red Bull machinery, including a recent test at Silverstone aimed at boosting his familiarity with the team and car.
Stepping up from Racing Bulls to Red Bull has proven more difficult than expected, despite the close relationship between the teams. Both Tsunoda and Liam Lawson have discovered that pace in the junior squad doesn’t directly translate to immediate success at Red Bull. Tsunoda has competed in four races with the RB21, scoring six points while struggling to match the blistering speed of teammate Max Verstappen.
Christian Horner remains calm in the face of these early challenges. He explained that the team organized a TPC test at Silverstone, allowing Tsunoda extra time behind the wheel to work closely with engineers and deepen his understanding of the car’s complex systems.
“It was just an opportunity for Yuki to spend a bit more time with the engineering staff,”
Horner said.
“His mileage had been very limited with Red Bull Racing.”
Despite heavy rain disrupting the session, Tsunoda managed to complete several laps, which Horner called “useful” for his development. When asked about where Tsunoda was lagging compared to Verstappen, Horner didn’t point to any single weakness but noted that improvement was needed across the entire lap.
“It’s difficult to pinpoint any one particular area,”
he said.
“Like all these things, it’s always little bits across a lap.”
Horner praised the Japanese driver’s progress, highlighting his growing experience, good feedback, and the positive energy he brings to the team.
“He’s quite a character – and he’s certainly rapid,”
Horner remarked.
“I think as he finds confidence, we’ll see him move further up the grid.”
Yuki Tsunoda’s gradual adjustment to Red Bull Racing underlines how tough the jump to a top Formula 1 team can be, even for promising talents. With continued support and time behind the wheel, Tsunoda is poised to overcome early hurdles, potentially turning the pressure into a breakthrough that advances his career and Red Bull’s competitive edge.
