1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has expressed uncertainty about Yuki Tsunoda’s continued role at Red Bull Racing. Tsunoda joined the Milton Keynes-based team shortly before his home race at Suzuka, replacing rookie Liam Lawson after just two races this season, yet his adaptation has been challenging amid car difficulties.
The Japanese driver has struggled to maximize the RB21’s potential, a car that even team leader Max Verstappen is finding tricky to handle. Since his mid-season transfer, Tsunoda has earned only seven points over 10 races, leaving questions about his consistency and impact within the team.
Challenges Faced by Tsunoda Since Joining Red Bull
Despite these setbacks, Red Bull has confirmed that Tsunoda will remain in the cockpit through the remainder of the year. Villeneuve indicated that the second half of the season will be telling for Tsunoda’s future prospects, emphasizing the pressure the young driver faces to prove his worth.
“How long Yuki Tsunoda will stay at Red Bull is the other big question mark. He was pushing so hard to go from the small team to the big team. He’s a good driver, but you have to be exceptional… You have to be a Lewis, you have to be a Fernando, you have to be a Piastri or a Norris,”
Villeneuve remarked, highlighting the high standards required to remain with a top team.
Tsunoda’s Own View on His Adaptation and Performance
Speaking during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in April, Tsunoda acknowledged the difficulty in adapting to the RB21’s narrow operating window. He described his efforts to find stability behind the wheel, noting the natural ups and downs that come with this process.
“It’s just difficult. It’s not easy being in the window which this car operates, which is quite narrow,”
Tsunoda said.
“I’m trying lots of things to be in that window consistently. It’s natural that I’ll be up and down, which I had in free practice. I just won’t rush it, and progress step by step.”
He admitted that his long run during the second practice session was not ideal, and that he needs to fine-tune both his approach and the car setup to improve speed.
“But I have ok confidence, not great, ok confidence,”
Tsunoda added.
Current Standings Reflect Tsunoda’s Struggles
At this point in the season, Tsunoda ranks 17th in the drivers‘ standings with 10 points accumulated over 12 races. His teammate Verstappen, in contrast, holds third place with 165 points, underscoring the performance gap within the Red Bull team. Tsunoda’s ability to close this gap will likely influence his future opportunities in Formula 1.
Implications for Tsunoda’s Red Bull Future
As the season progresses, Tsunoda’s development and results will be critical in determining whether he can meet the demanding expectations at Red Bull. The team’s willingness to keep him this year suggests confidence in his potential, but Villeneuve’s comments underscore the necessity for exceptional performance to maintain a seat in a highly competitive environment. These next months will be crucial for Tsunoda’s career trajectory within Formula 1.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Yuki Tsunoda ever win a race?
A. Yuki Tsunoda started his journey to Formula One in 2016. He first competed in the Japanese F4 championship at the Suzuka round. During the series, he achieved 10 race wins and stood on the podium 18 times. He also secured 12 pole positions and recorded the fastest lap on five occasions.
Q. Is Yuki Tsunoda the shortest F1 driver ever?
A. Yuki Tsunoda is currently the shortest driver in Formula 1, standing at 1.59 meters (5 feet 2 inches). Since entering the sport in 2021, he has been the shortest competitor in F1.
Q. Has Yuki Tsunoda won a race?
A. During the entire series, he claimed victory in 10 races, stood on the podium 18 times, secured 12 pole positions, and recorded five fastest laps.