Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese Red Bull driver, expressed confusion after the practice sessions of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting his struggle with pace despite having smooth runs. Tsunoda admitted he was unsure why his speed remained off the mark while on track during the Friday practice sessions.

He stated clearly,

I don’t have any idea why I’m slow.

This admission points to an unexpected challenge as Tsunoda sought to understand the factors limiting his performance in a race weekend critical for points and development.

Detailed Issues and Performance Gap Behind Teammate

Throughout the practice run, Tsunoda encountered handling difficulties, particularly sliding on both front and rear axles, which hampered his speed. His qualifying simulation laps on soft tires were approximately six tenths slower than his teammate Max Verstappen, a significant gap in Formula 1 terms. GPS data analysis confirmed Tsunoda’s slower speed in certain corners compared to Verstappen’s benchmark laps, indicating specific areas where improvements were necessary.

Reflecting on the sessions, Tsunoda remarked again on his struggles, saying,

It was tricky… I just don’t have any idea why I am slow.

Although he recognized some progress, his uncertainty about the precise causes of his limitations remained a source of frustration. Despite this, Tsunoda demonstrated resolve to tackle these obstacles head-on as the team looked for solutions.

Verstappen’s Mixed Feelings After Initial Practice Runs

In contrast, Max Verstappen described his first day at the Spanish Grand Prix as “OK,” noting an improved feeling compared to earlier races in the season. While he acknowledged that further adjustments were needed to fully unlock the car’s potential and find greater comfort, Verstappen took encouragement from not feeling “out of it” during Friday’s sessions. His steady pace served as a reference for the Red Bull team searching to optimize both drivers’ setups.

Red Bull’s Ongoing Efforts to Boost Performance

The Red Bull team is intensively analyzing collected data to understand and address the speed gaps shown during practice. Both Tsunoda and Verstappen remain focused on refining their cars and driving to enhance their competitiveness for the remainder of the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. Their performances under challenging conditions underscore the continuous quest for improvement and precision in a sport where every fraction of a second is crucial.