Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, believes Yuki Tsunoda is settling in well with the team following his debut race weekend in Japan.
Tsunoda`s qualifying session placed him 15th, behind Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced. This was due to a mistake during his final Q2 run.
However, Tsunoda overtook Lawson at the start and gained position on Alpine`s Pierre Gasly after a pit stop. For the majority of his home race, he remained behind Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.
Horner commented, “He has integrated into the team smoothly and provides valuable feedback. His performance in P1 was notably strong, and P3 was also satisfactory.”
He added, “In Q1, he was only a tenth of a second off Max Verstappen. In Q2, he made an error going into Turn 1 while being significantly faster than his previous pace. This mistake impacted the rest of his lap.”
“His qualifying position largely determined his race outcome, in a race with limited overtaking. A better qualifying result would have translated to a higher finish.” Horner stated.
“He is currently finding his rhythm within the team, and we anticipate his performance to improve in the upcoming races.”
Tsunoda`s Mixed Feelings After Home Race
Despite being close to Verstappen`s pace in the first practice session, Tsunoda couldn`t maintain that level in qualifying. Verstappen ultimately secured pole position and won the race.
Red Bull has publicly stated their priority is the drivers` championship this season, and Tsunoda is expected to provide strategic support to Verstappen.
Tsunoda told Sky Sports F1, “I am pleased with my performance, but the final result is disappointing. I had higher expectations for my home Grand Prix, so it`s a mix of feelings.”
He continued, “I am gaining experience and building confidence with the car. Towards the end of the race, I felt in control. If I had another qualifying session, I am confident it would be different.”
“Considering my limited time in the car, I am content. Having Max as my teammate is a great learning opportunity, and I am excited for Bahrain.”
Hadjar Welcomes Potential Red Bull Opportunity
While Lawson reached Q2 for the first time this season, his race concluded in 17th place due to an unsuccessful tyre strategy.
Lawson mentioned, “I need to continue improving and adapt to the car. We showed good pace throughout the weekend, just not when it counted most, but there are still positives to take away.”
Isack Hadjar, however, had another impressive weekend, qualifying seventh and finishing eighth in the race, ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
Hadjar overcame seatbelt issues during qualifying to demonstrate his speed. His performance in Japan marked his first points finish, answering questions about his recovery after a crash in the Australian Grand Prix.
When asked about potentially joining Red Bull in the future, Hadjar responded, “I am happy where I am currently but would certainly not decline a call-up! For now, I am enjoying myself.”
Bahrain GP Schedule (UK Time)
Thursday April 10
- Drivers` Press Conference
Friday April 11
- F3 Practice
- F2 Practice
- Bahrain GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)*
- F3 Qualifying
- F2 Qualifying
- Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
- The F1 Show
Saturday April 12
- F3 Sprint Race
- Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30pm)
- F2 Sprint
- Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up
- BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
- Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday April 13
- F3 Feature Race
- F2 Feature Race
- Bahrain GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
- Bahrain GP reaction: Chequered Flag
- Ted`s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 continues in Bahrain for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
