Yuki Tsunoda once again faced difficulties during qualifying at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, ending up last among the Red Bull drivers and highlighting ongoing challenges with the team’s second RB21 car. This persistent issue has raised questions about Tsunoda’s performance as he tries to adapt to the demanding vehicle and match his teammate Max Verstappen, who remains the only driver able to consistently control the fast but tricky machine.
Following the first two rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull replaced Liam Lawson with Tsunoda, a longtime driver from their B-team. Since his promotion, Tsunoda has struggled to close the gap to Verstappen, who dominates at the front, though Tsunoda has managed to handle the car’s complexities somewhat better than previous occupants. Despite these improvements, last weekend’s qualifying result marked the first time since the Chinese Grand Prix that a second Red Bull car qualified at the back, intensifying scrutiny around Tsunoda’s capability behind the wheel.
Experts Discuss Challenges with Red Bull’s Second Driver Seat
Former World Champion and Sky Sports F1 commentator Nico Rosberg spoke candidly about the ongoing difficulties faced by drivers in Red Bull’s second seat. He noted Verstappen’s dominance while expressing surprise that no other driver has matched his control over the RB21. Rosberg remarked on the striking contrast between Verstappen’s competitive position and Tsunoda’s last-place qualifying, emphasizing the mysterious nature of the car’s handling for all but Verstappen:
“Look [Max] Verstappen is in a fight for [a] top-two position and [Yuki] Tsunoda is dead last in the Red Bull car. Can you believe it? And who can explain that to me that nobody can deal with this second Red Bull car.”
—Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula 1 World Champion and Sky Sports F1 Commentator
This statement underlines the frustration surrounding Tsunoda’s struggles and echoes a broader pattern observed over the past eighteen months, where the second Red Bull seat has been notoriously difficult to master for multiple drivers.
Tsunoda’s Race Weekend Was Predictably Challenging
After officially joining Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda showed optimism about his prospects, despite not scoring points at his home race. His hopes for strong performances in subsequent events have been tempered by continued challenges. Across six races with Red Bull’s main team, Tsunoda has earned just four points, a modest tally compared to his teammate’s pace.
The Spanish Grand Prix weekend introduced a new FIA directive and featured an intensely competitive field, further complicating matters for Tsunoda. His qualifying lap was less than a second slower than race leader Oscar Piastri, yet this was insufficient to avoid last place among the Red Bulls. Reflecting on his difficulties around the 4.655-kilometer circuit, Tsunoda candidly admitted to struggling with the car’s balance and overall pace:
“To be honest, I just don’t have any idea why I am slow. The lap was pretty good as well, considering FP2 and obviously it’s not like fully 100%. But obviously it’s not the gap that I’m expecting. So it’s hard to even tell what kind of exact limitation I have in terms of balance, it’s OK. We have to see what we can improve, but currently [I’m] struggling.”
—Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Driver (via Motorsport.com)
This honest assessment highlights the complexities Tsunoda faces in finding the right setup and performance window to compete effectively in such a demanding car.
Broader Context and What Lies Ahead for Tsunoda at Red Bull
Tsunoda’s season thus far has included eight Grand Prix weekends, during which he has accumulated a total of 10 points. While this shows moments of promise, his ongoing challenges reflect the steep learning curve presented by Red Bull’s technical demands and the high standards set by Verstappen. The Spanish GP qualifying results serve as a stark reminder that the second Red Bull seat remains a tough environment for any driver other than Verstappen.
How Tsunoda adapts in coming races will be crucial for his future with the Milton Keynes-based team. Improving his understanding of the car’s nuances and regaining consistent pace will determine whether he can meet expectations and secure his place alongside the reigning World Champion. Red Bull’s performance framework, combined with evolving FIA rules, will continue to test Tsunoda’s ability to handle pressure and deliver competitive results.
