Yuki Tsunoda’s Challenges at Red Bull Racing: A Deep Dive

Yuki Tsunoda has been a part of the Red Bull Racing team for nine Grand Prix events, stepping into the role previously held by Liam Lawson following the Japanese Grand Prix. However, his performance has been less than stellar, managing to accumulate only seven points during his tenure. In stark contrast, his teammate, Max Verstappen, has amassed an impressive 119 points. Tsunoda’s qualifying outcomes have not improved the situation either, as he has found himself starting from the back of the grid in several races, with positions like 20th, 12th, 19th, 18th, and another 18th.

Current Situation at Red Bull Racing

Typically, such disappointing results would lead to increased scrutiny and pressure on the driver. However, the context at Red Bull Racing seems to differ. The underlying issue appears to extend beyond the drivers themselves. Sergio Perez’s struggles in the previous season, which he claims the team now regrets, and Lawson’s inability to make a significant impact during his brief stint, reflect a broader structural problem within the team. Tsunoda now finds himself in a similar predicament, suggesting that the root cause may not rest solely with the individual drivers.

Helmut Marko, a key advisor to Red Bull, has expressed confidence that Tsunoda will complete the season with the team, indicating that the organization’s leadership recognizes the challenges go beyond mere driver performance. In a somewhat cynical view, one might argue that Tsunoda’s performance may not be of utmost importance as long as he can steer clear of costly crashes. The introduction of a cost cap in Formula 1 means that any damage incurred can significantly affect the team’s development budget, especially with the 2026 regulations on the horizon.

The Structural Challenges

The reality is that Red Bull Racing seems poised to secure a fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship, regardless of who occupies the second seat alongside Verstappen. The team faces a dilemma: there are no clear alternatives to Tsunoda. Isack Hadjar has openly stated that he does not feel prepared to step up to the Formula 1 level, and it would not be prudent for Red Bull to further jeopardize the future of a promising young driver. Lawson has already had his opportunity, and Arvid Lindblad remains a long-term prospect, with the Racing Bulls team intended as a developmental platform.

This lack of immediate options has led Red Bull’s management to adopt a more measured approach in their public statements, even after Tsunoda finished last among the classified drivers in the Austrian Grand Prix. With one Red Bull, one Mercedes, and both Williams cars failing to finish the race, not scoring a single point was particularly disheartening. Nevertheless, team principal Christian Horner maintained a factual tone during the post-race media session, analyzing Tsunoda’s performance: "Yuki had a horrible race, yet it began to go wrong for him in Q1. His first run was fine, but a mistake at Turn 1 during the second run led to poor qualifying. He found himself stuck in traffic and later picked up a penalty, compounding his difficulties."

Horner further noted that the gap between the performance of the two Red Bull cars is substantial, which raises internal questions regarding the team’s structure and car development. He acknowledged the car’s evolution over the years and committed to finding ways to support Tsunoda and help him regain his confidence, particularly ahead of the upcoming race at Silverstone.

The Impact of Car Performance

Red Bull Racing has seemingly learned that the issue lies more with the car than with the drivers. Verstappen himself defended Tsunoda in a Dutch media session, suggesting that Tsunoda is not lacking in talent. He noted that during Tsunoda’s time with Racing Bulls, he consistently performed well compared to his teammate Hadjar. Verstappen implied that the issues faced by Tsunoda might be indicative of a larger problem within the team.

The weekend at the Austrian GP provided further insights into the team’s struggles. Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne participated in his first-ever F1 practice session with McLaren, finishing an impressive fourth, just two-tenths behind the fastest time. While questions about fuel loads and engine settings were raised, the performance nonetheless highlighted the challenges faced by Red Bull. Marko acknowledged having seen Dunne’s onboard footage and remarked on the contrasting handling characteristics of the McLaren compared to Red Bull’s car. He noted that while the McLaren exhibits a degree of self-correction during slides, the Red Bull car often requires a delicate balance to avoid spinning off the track.

Marko pointed to specific moments during the weekend when both Red Bull drivers experienced difficulties, emphasizing that Verstappen is currently the only driver capable of managing the car’s demands effectively. The leadership at Red Bull recognizes that the performance disparity between drivers is not solely a reflection of their individual abilities but is largely influenced by the car’s design and handling characteristics.

The Importance of Adaptability

The substantial difference between the Racing Bulls car and the Red Bull car has become increasingly apparent. The Racing Bulls vehicle is designed to be user-friendly, offering a wide operating window that accommodates rookie drivers. In contrast, the Red Bull car is known for its complexity, making it challenging to drive, especially for those who are still gaining experience in Formula 1.

Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon elaborated on this disparity, describing the Red Bull car as less forgiving and more challenging to handle. He noted that the team has consistently placed young drivers in the car, leading to the development of a vehicle that demands a high level of skill and adaptability. The difference in handling can be stark, making it difficult for drivers who transition from a relatively easier car to one that is more demanding.

Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure, many drivers have struggled to adapt to the unique challenges of the Red Bull car. Gasly, Albon, Perez, Lawson, and now Tsunoda have all faced difficulties, indicating that the issue may extend beyond just driver performance. Red Bull’s leadership appears to understand that simply replacing Tsunoda would not address the core problem — the car itself.

Future Considerations for Red Bull Racing

The events of the Spielberg weekend highlighted the significant reliance Red Bull Racing has on Verstappen’s skill and performance. The scenario painted a concerning picture of what the team might look like without their star driver. Should Verstappen decide to leave the team, the implications could be far-reaching, and the current structural issues would likely become even more pronounced.

The recent performances of both Tsunoda and the team’s handling of the situation reveal a complicated web of challenges that Red Bull Racing must navigate. The combination of driver development, car performance, and team dynamics will play a critical role in shaping the future of the organization. As they look ahead, the focus will need to be on creating a more balanced environment that allows for growth and success, not only for Tsunoda but for any young driver who steps into the second seat.

In conclusion, the situation at Red Bull Racing is a complex interplay of driver performance, team structure, and car characteristics. As Tsunoda continues his journey within the team, the lessons learned from his experiences could provide valuable insights into how Red Bull can evolve and adapt to the challenges ahead. The path forward will require careful consideration, strategic planning, and a commitment to fostering talent within the team.