Yuki Tsunoda has likened attempting to understand the Red Bull RB21 to a science lab as he aims for a successful second race with Red Bull.
In his first race for Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda failed to score points but did demonstrate the ability to tame the RB21. Qualifying a disappointing P15, he could not come through the field on the race day. The Japanese GP featured almost no overtaking, making a difficult recovery drive more difficult. Arriving in Bahrain, he is targeting a better showing.
Speaking on media day, Tsunoda said he had more confidence in the car after a week in the senior Red Bull team.
[Compared to] Thursday [at the] same time last week, I’m much calmer now just naturally because of less [PR] activities, and I’m able to have a bit more time to think about the preparation and everything,”
“Also, now I know how the car behaves, at least a little bit more than how I started last week. Everything [is] positive, a couple of modifications I’ve done to adjust a little bit more, the seat and everything, so I think we’ll be good.”
Yuki Tsunoda learning the secrets of the RB21
Expanding on the differences between the RB21 and the VCARB02, Yuki Tsunoda said the operating window is narrow, mirroring Liam Lawson’s comments.
Likening setting up the car to a science lab, he said the car and easily go into a “bad” set-up.
“A lot of learning I did, but most of the learning I had is too early stages to conclude,” he said.”I’ve just done four, five sessions, almost four sessions because of lots of red flags.
“I just need to do more laps, but the main learning in terms of car the set-up, I would say maybe I have to take a little bit of a different approach how I used to take in the Racing Bulls – the set-up I used to like, the car balance.
“I think the car is able to achieve the same balance that I used to have at Racing Bulls, but it not always helps the performance. I just have to dig in further, I just don’t know what set-up will make the car faster.
“It feels like a science room with lots of chemicals where sometimes it goes good, sometimes it goes bad. I think it’s just natural because jumping into a completely new car [there is] always this up and down.”
Clear goals ahead of the Bahrain GP for Yuki Tsunoda
Tsunoda then stated his two main goals for the Bahrain GP: progressing to Q3, and points on race day.
“What I want to achieve this weekend is Q3 and points,” said Tsuonda. “I think as much as I want to say a podium or whatever, we know that the car is not easy to operate in a high performance window.
“I have to still learn about the car, so if I get points or [can] be closer to Max to be able to help him in the race, and go into Q3, that would be a good target.”