Yuki Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with his qualifying result at the Italian Grand Prix, where he faced a significant challenge at the Monza circuit. The 25-year-old driver managed to secure a place in the final qualifying session, highlighting his contentment with the outcome despite encountering a setback involving the lack of slipstream during his last attempt.
The Japanese driver, competing for Red Bull Racing, qualified in 10th position after the Saturday session. Tsunoda explained that missing the crucial slipstream on his final lap limited his ability to maximize his performance. However, he still viewed the qualifying session as a positive step forward in his season.
Speaking to the media after the session, Tsunoda revealed the difficulty he faced in the decisive round of qualifying.
“In Q3, I wasn’t able to have a slipstream. Traditionally, this kind of track you want to have a bit of slipstream,”
he said. He added,
“I had to lead the pack in Q3, which is the opposite of what I want, but in the end, overall, happy with the performance. Being in Q3 was the thing I wanted for a long time. Overall, happy with it.”
This appearance marked Tsunoda’s first entry into Q3 with Red Bull Racing since the Belgian Grand Prix. Although he originally qualified 10th, Tsunoda will start the race from ninth on the grid due to Lewis Hamilton’s five-place penalty. This improvement comes amid a difficult period for the 25-year-old since joining Milton Keynes, indicating a promising rebound in form.
Laurent Mekies Addresses Tsunoda’s Position Amid Rising Competition from Isack Hadjar
Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Laurent Mekies, commented on Tsunoda’s standing within the team and the rumors linking Isack Hadjar to a potential seat at Red Bull. Mekies reassured fans and media alike that no driver changes are planned during the season, emphasizing the team‘s commitment to Tsunoda.
During the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Mekies highlighted Tsunoda’s recent upward trajectory, which includes scoring points after several challenging races and delivering his best qualifying performance with the team at Spa. The team principal acknowledged the driver’s ongoing improvement while maintaining ambition for continued progress.
He remarked,
“No, we do not plan to change during the season. Yuki has been making a good step in the last three races. We want more, but he’s doing a good job. First time in the points after seven races, best Qualifying with the team at Spa, he’s on a positive trend.”
Mekies also praised the growing talent of Isack Hadjar but emphasized that the current focus is on supporting Tsunoda and allowing him to continue developing with Red Bull.
“It’s extremely nice to watch Isack’s progress and to see him performing at the level he did in the last race. It was a fantastic demonstration of the progress he has been doing during the season, but we are relaxed about the driver topic; we have all the cards on the Red Bull side,”
Mekies added.
Current Status and Future Outlook for Tsunoda at Red Bull Racing
While Yuki Tsunoda’s recent performances suggest he is rediscovering strong form, uncertainty still surrounds his long-term future with Red Bull Racing. The Japanese driver’s existing contract concludes at the end of the season, and it remains unclear whether the team will extend his deal. With the competition for seats intensifying and new talent emerging, Tsunoda’s ability to maintain momentum during the remaining races will likely influence Red Bull’s decisions moving forward.
His display at Monza not only marks progress but also adds excitement to his campaign as he aims to secure a place within the competitive F1 environment. The Red Bull team’s commitment to nurturing Tsunoda through the current season could pave the way for the driver’s continued development and impact in Formula 1’s pinnacle series.
