Yuki Tsunoda shares fascinating perception on his struggles understanding Red Bull’s RB21 in comparison with Max Verstappen

Yuki Tsunoda believes no Red Bull driver has been capable of adapt to the automotive instantly. Speaking to Sportskeeda forward of the 2025 British GP, the Japanese driver admitted that the RB21 requires extra time to grasp, however anticipated enhancements on the automotive to assist him settle in additional.

With a longstanding perception within the paddock that the Red Bull automotive naturally fits Max Verstappen’s driving type, most second drivers have confronted challenges adapting to it. Tsunoda has fared higher than Liam Lawson up to now, however the sample stays: adapting to the RB21 is a course of that takes time.

Responding to Sportskeeda’s query on whether or not the second driver in Red Bull wants extra time to adapt, Tsunoda felt it will depend on the person. He identified that he has but to drive the absolutely upgraded model of the RB21 and believes that after he has entry to the whole package deal, he can shut the hole to Verstappen. He acknowledged progress however admitted that the timeline to adapt stays unclear.

The 22-year-old additionally revealed he has experimented with new driving types to grasp the RB21 higher, a distinction to his expertise at VCARB, the place he felt extra instinctively in tune with the automotive. At Red Bull, he stated, constructing confidence all through the weekend is essential.

Asked by Sportskeeda about his understanding of the RB21 up to now by way of the interval required for the second driver to match Verstappen, Tsunoda stated:

“I mean, I don’t know. It depends on the driver, but also at the same time, I didn’t see yet so far the driver who probably got used to it in that car straight away. So that’s probably the fact, but at the same time, I feel I’m in the right direction, at least on the short runs. Yeah, I missed out probably Q1 in Austria, but at the same time, the gap was pretty small. Also in terms of the whole package, I know there’s something to come as well into this year compared to Max. So once I get the full package, I still have good confidence that I can be in a level that they want. That’s what I’m working hard on. In terms of the long run is exactly the place that I’m still probably struggling at, but I’ll find a way.”

“I saw a couple of driving styles that I can try that I have never tried in my career in Formula 1. It’s just the learning stuff. Is it true that in terms of confidence, when the condition changes every session, maybe I’m taking a little bit more time compared to where I used to have at VCARB where for example, I knew exactly how the car was going to drive in each set-up, I can go flat out from the first push. But maybe in the Red Bull, I had to build up, which for me is the right approach. I don’t think it’s a wrong approach, but just takes a bit of time. I don’t know if it’s going to take a whole season or not, but at least it’s positive that I’m going in the right direction,” Yuki Tsunoda added.

Yuki Tsunoda believes Red Bull has been extraordinarily supportive of his progress

Yuki Tsunoda believes that Red Bull senior administration, together with Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, have been extremely supportive throughout his transition into the crew. Speaking forward of the 2025 British GP, the Japanese driver stated he felt the crew had given him the area and time wanted to adapt to the RB21 with out pointless stress.

Tsunoda acknowledged that Red Bull had proven extra persistence with him than they’ve sometimes proven with different drivers previously. He appreciated that the crew had allowed him to construct his rhythm steadily, serving to him perceive the automotive higher and enhance his efficiency step-by-step. The 22-year-old felt the method was encouraging and contributed positively to his improvement inside the primary crew.

Asked if he’s properly supported inside Red Bull Racing regardless of the slack in efficiency, Yuki Tsunoda stated:

“Definitely, yeah. I mean, I feel definitely the support, especially these days and more than ever, from Christian, Helmut. I went to the south of UK with a physio at Red Bull Racing to kind of reset myself, and that was coming from them. They just wanted to have fresh air and everything. So that helps a lot to me to build up my rhythm. Also, we’re going to try a couple of things that I never tried, and they allow me to do quite a lot of things that probably they wouldn’t do in a normal case. So, yeah, definitely.”

Yuki Tsunoda has managed to attain solely seven factors for Red Bull up to now in eight races. While his performances have been an enchancment over his predecessor Liam Lawson, Tsunoda’s prolonged adaptation interval to the RB21 has prevented him from delivering the constant outcomes the crew requires. Max Verstappen has scored 155 of the crew’s 162 factors, underlining the heavy reliance on the reigning champion.

Red Bull presently sits fourth within the constructors’ standings, primarily because of the lack of a second driver able to constantly supporting Verstappen on the entrance. With Verstappen retiring from the Austrian GP following contact with Kimi Antonelli, the crew was left with none factors, marking the primary time in 4 seasons that Red Bull ended a race weekend with a zero-point rating.

Heading into the British GP, Red Bull arrives with an improve package deal and the pressing activity of recovering from the setback in Austria. The crew might be hoping for a turnaround in efficiency from each drivers to stay in competition within the championship battle.