Yuki Tsunoda is navigating a challenging transition as he adapts to life with Red Bull Racing in the Formula 1 circuit. The 24-year-old Japanese driver began the 2025 season with the sister team, Racing Bulls, before stepping in for Liam Lawson, who struggled to find his footing in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. After just two races, Tsunoda took over at Red Bull, and while he has made some progress, his journey thus far has been anything but straightforward.
Despite being an improvement over Lawson, Tsunoda’s performance has been mixed. In his initial three races with the notoriously hard-to-handle RB21, he has managed to secure only two points. Tsunoda has identified qualifying as a key area for growth, as he continues to familiarize himself with the nuances of the car. “It just needs more time, I guess, to get used to it fully,” he shared in an interview before the Miami Grand Prix. His sentiments reflect the reality many drivers face when adjusting to a new vehicle, especially one as complex as the RB21.
Tsunoda expressed a sense of satisfaction with his progress so far, noting that his confidence is building. However, he acknowledged the challenges of pushing the car to its limits during qualifying. “In qualifying, most of the time, I experienced a new kind of behavior from my car that I wasn’t able to cope with at times,” he explained. While he doesn’t view the car as excessively difficult to drive, he recognizes that mastering it requires time and patience. “It just needs more time and to define where the limit is,” he added, emphasizing the importance of understanding the car’s capabilities.
Taking on the role of teammate to four-time world champion Max Verstappen is no small feat. Tsunoda has arguably taken on one of the most demanding jobs in Formula 1, as Verstappen’s unique driving style necessitates a specific type of car setup. Many drivers have found it challenging to adapt to this dynamic, and Tsunoda joined a Red Bull team that was already grappling with issues related to discrepancies between track performance and wind tunnel data. These challenges have made it difficult for the team to achieve optimal performance.
Tsunoda’s experience with the Red Bull Racing car has been a learning curve. He described the RB21 as “not complicated to drive around,” but he also acknowledged that it poses its own set of challenges. “It’s not easy, for sure,” he remarked, comparing it to his previous experience with the VCARB. He noted that the VCARB was more forgiving in terms of handling, whereas the Red Bull has a sharper and narrower performance window. “Definitely, Red Bull has a sharper, kind of narrower window that they can form,” Tsunoda stated, suggesting that while the Red Bull is demanding, it is not as daunting as he initially anticipated.
Tsunoda’s first points for Red Bull came during his second race in Bahrain, where he finished ninth. However, his momentum took a hit just a week later when he crashed out in Saudi Arabia. As he prepares for his fourth race with Red Bull, Tsunoda has a clear understanding of the areas he needs to focus on to better adapt to his new car. Yet, he also acknowledges the difficulty of achieving race-winning pace in a highly competitive environment.
“Sometimes you just have to accept the kind of difficulties of the car,” he reflected. “If you’re feeling a little oversteer or a little understeer, but your lap time is good, you probably just have to stick to that direction.” This pragmatic approach highlights Tsunoda’s growing maturity as a driver, as he balances the need for speed with the realities of car dynamics.
As Tsunoda continues to develop his skills and understanding of the Red Bull Racing car, he remains focused on making steady progress. The challenges he faces are not unique to him; they are part of the larger narrative of Formula 1, where drivers must constantly adapt to their machines and the ever-evolving competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda is determined to refine his technique and enhance his performance. Each race presents an opportunity for him to learn and grow, and he is committed to maximizing his potential with Red Bull Racing. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but Tsunoda’s resilience and dedication to improvement will be key as he strives to unlock the full capabilities of the RB21.
In summary, Yuki Tsunoda’s experience with Red Bull Racing has been a blend of challenges and opportunities for growth. Transitioning from Racing Bulls to the prestigious Red Bull team has tested his skills and adaptability. As he navigates the complexities of the RB21, Tsunoda is focused on understanding its intricacies and finding ways to push beyond his current limits. With a pragmatic mindset and a commitment to improvement, he is poised to make his mark in the competitive world of Formula 1, even as he contends with the unique demands of driving alongside one of the sport’s most celebrated champions. Tsunoda’s journey is a testament to the resilience required in the fast-paced realm of motorsport, where every lap is a chance to learn and evolve.
