Yuki Tsunoda has expressed that no driver has been able to immediately adjust to the Red Bull RB21, including the reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Speaking to Sportskeeda ahead of the 2025 British Grand Prix, the Japanese racer acknowledged the RB21’s complexity and emphasized that adapting to the car requires time and experience, but he remains optimistic that upcoming upgrades will help him make progress in closing the gap.

Within the Formula 1 paddock, it is widely believed that the Red Bull car is uniquely suited to Verstappen’s driving style. Most other Red Bull drivers have faced difficulties adapting quickly. Tsunoda, while showing better signs than his predecessor Liam Lawson, is still navigating this adaptation curve, confirming that mastering the RB21 is a gradual process.

When asked whether the Red Bull team’s secondary driver generally needs more time to settle into the RB21, Tsunoda explained that adjustment periods vary by individual. He mentioned that he has yet to experience the fully upgraded version of the RB21 and anticipates that the complete package will help him improve. He acknowledged steady development but noted that the timeline remains uncertain.

The 22-year-old also shared that he has been experimenting with different driving styles to better understand the RB21’s behavior. This approach contrasts with his prior experience at VCARB, where he felt more naturally attuned to the car. Tsunoda emphasized that regaining confidence throughout race weekends is a crucial part of his adaptation process at Red Bull.

Tsunoda Elaborates on the Learning Curve and Long-Run Struggles

Addressing how long it might take for a second driver at Red Bull to match Verstappen’s performance, Tsunoda said:

“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.” —Yuki Tsunoda

He added insights on exploring new driving methods to find what suits the RB21 better:

“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.

Support from Red Bull’s Leadership During Tsunoda’s Transition

Tsunoda highlighted the strong backing he has received from Red Bull senior management, including team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko. He praised the team’s patient approach in allowing him time to acclimate to the RB21 without pressure. Speaking before the 2025 British GP, Tsunoda noted that Red Bull has given him the freedom to grow his comfort with the car gradually.

He appreciated that Red Bull has been more patient with him than usual compared to their past experiences with other drivers. This support has allowed Tsunoda to develop at his own pace, helping him build confidence and improve steadily over time, which has been positive for his development within the team.

Asked if he feels well supported despite his slow start, Tsunoda affirmed:

“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

Current Performance and Team Challenges Amidst Verstappen’s Dominance

So far in the 2025 season, Yuki Tsunoda has accumulated only seven points across eight races, marking an improvement over Liam Lawson but still falling short of consistent performance expected by Red Bull. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, has contributed 155 of Red Bull’s total 162 points, underscoring the team’s heavy dependence on their world champion.

Red Bull currently sits fourth in the constructors’ championship, a situation largely attributed to the lack of solid support from their second driver. The team’s struggles were further highlighted when Verstappen retired early from the Austrian GP after contact with Kimi Antonelli, resulting in Red Bull’s first zero-point race weekend in four years.

Approaching the British GP, Red Bull aims to rebound by implementing an upgrade package and seeking better performances from both Verstappen and Tsunoda. Achieving greater balance and reliability is crucial for sustaining their championship challenge as the season progresses.

Implications for Red Bull and Tsunoda’s Future Prospects

Tsunoda’s ongoing adaptation to the RB21 and the team’s measured support illustrate the challenges of matching Verstappen’s pace on a car famously tailored to his driving style. The upgrade package heading into the British GP may provide Tsunoda with the tools he needs to close the performance gap and offer more consistent contributions.

For Red Bull, improving Tsunoda’s reliability and pace remains critical to reducing the risk that comes with relying heavily on Verstappen alone. How quickly Tsunoda can fully adapt will influence the team’s ability to maintain its competitive edge and contend for both driver and constructor titles in 2025.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?

A. Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet shared news of their baby’s birth just before the Miami Grand Prix. The couple’s first child is a girl.