Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda is experiencing difficulties adjusting to life at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, with his performance hindered by a lack of muscle memory in piloting the RB21 car. Since his switch from the sister team following the Chinese Grand Prix, Tsunoda has found mastering the complex vehicle a significant challenge, impacting his results on the track.
Performance Comparison and Early Setbacks
Tsunoda has collected 10 points over five races, a figure below the team’s expectations despite maintaining a lead over teammate Liam Lawson. However, the gap between Tsunoda and star driver Max Verstappen remains considerable, highlighted by Verstappen’s recent victory at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Tsunoda’s difficulties were accentuated by a heavy crash during qualifying at the Villeneuve chicane, which forced him to start last on the grid.
Tsunoda Reflects on the Need for Experience and Adaptation
The young driver openly described his struggle with the car’s responsiveness, contrasting it with the more intuitive handling he experienced at the sister team.
“I think it’s just, it’s coming from I feel like not [having] muscle memory [when driving the car]. Everything at VCARB, when the car [snapped], it was super easy to react. I didn’t have to think about anything to react to it,”
Tsunoda said. He emphasized that gaining experience in managing the car’s unpredictable movements is crucial to improving his control and confidence behind the wheel.
Resilience Shown in Race Recovery Despite Qualifying Challenges
After his difficult qualifying session, Tsunoda demonstrated determination by recovering to finish 10th, securing a valuable point for the team. Although uncertain about his prospects immediately following the crash, he remained hopeful about his future growth and the ability to refine his skills in the demanding Red Bull machinery.
Outlook for Tsunoda’s Formula 1 Journey with Red Bull
As Tsunoda continues to adapt to a top-level racing environment, his focus remains on overcoming these early obstacles. The rookie’s commitment to learning and persistence suggests that, with more experience, he could increasingly match the team‘s high standards and make a significant impact in Formula 1 moving forward.
