Red Bull’s second seat remains a puzzle to be solved–Tsunoda needs time
When Red Bull demoted Liam Lawson to the Racing Bulls team and promoted Yuki Tsunoda to the Red Bull Racing cockpit early in the season, they deemed it a ‘sporting decision’ necessary to “retain the World Drivers’ Championship and reclaim the World Constructors’ title.”
The team was relying on Yuki’s experience to help develop the RB21 into a more complete, drivable machine. Alas, Red Bull’s season ambitions have been thwarted by a dominating McLaren and the team’s inability to deliver a stable car for both drivers.
The second driver struggles to find form next to Verstappen, flying solo
A third way into the season, Max Verstappen has stepped on the podium and lifted the Sunday trophy twice. His teammates, on the other hand, failed to follow suit, not for a lack of trying.
Before his demotion to the Junior team, Liam Lawson – quite literally – couldn’t come to grips with the RB21. The New Zealander camped with balance issues and tyre temperature problems, deeming the car “very difficult to drive.” His results on track told the same story: in both races, Lawson never qualified past Q1, and he was unable to score any points for the Red Bull team on both Sundays in Australia and China.
When Yuki Tsunoda replaced Lawson in the third race of the season, the presumption was that he would fare better in the unpredictable RB due to his experience – which Liam Lawson lacked. In terms of points, the Lawson-Tsunoda swap has paid off; Red Bull is a few points richer since Tsunoda joined the team.
However, the team’s hopes of reclaiming the Constructors’ title drift further out of reach, as the Japanese driver grapples with the same qualms that plagued Lawson.
Lack of grip and tyre warm-up continue to be persistent problems contributing to a string of humdrum performances from Tsunoda. Most recently, those issues culminated in a Q1 exit and a back-of-the-grid start at the Spanish Grand Prix without any points scored – Tsunoda crossed the finish line in 13th position.
With only one car doing the heavy-lifting – that of Verstappen – it’s mathematically impossible for Red Bull to make up the deficit that is building between the team and McLaren, the overachievers of this season. Not to mention that Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes also have two drivers who are consistently in point-scoring positions.
Tsunoda needs more time to adjust
The pressure is certainly mounting on the Austrian team as they navigate unfamiliar territory this season – they’re not leading, but chasing. That certainly adds a layer of pressure on Tsunoda as well, but Horner assures that it’s still early days for Yuki.
“He’s still settling in. He’s been in Q3, scored points. He’s scored points from the pit lane. I think the only thing we can do is give him time and support, and try and get a set-up that he’s got confidence in. Driving these cars is all about confidence, and that’s what he needs to find. I think he’ll get there”, says the Red Bull Racing team principal.
Tsunoda also pointed out that he needs more time to get familiar with the car. Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, he admitted, “For four years, I drove the same car and knew how to set it up and where the limit was. I just naturally didn’t have to think about it before, but now, in terms of set-ups… The set-up I tried a couple of times in Suzuka that I thought would be good, just didn’t work out… So that comes from experience.”
“I will get there. I just try to keep my head down and slowly build up.”
Horner has been clear but not resolute about his idea of giving Tsunoda time. When asked about another possible swap between Tsunoda and Hadjar, he preferred not to answer. Now, his silence leaves room for speculation. Will Yuki Tsunoda finish the season in Red Bull Racing?