Yuki Tsunoda expressed optimism after a strong Friday at the Imola GP, where he finished FP2 just a tenth behind teammate Max Verstappen. However, he acknowledged that he and Red Bull still need to refine several areas ahead of Qualifying.
The Japanese driver ended the second practice session in eighth, continuing to adjust to the Red Bull RB20 after his recent promotion from Racing Bulls. Despite not cracking the top five, Tsunoda called the day “positive,” highlighting both short-run and long-run learning as areas of progress.
“It was alright,” he said about the practice sessions. “It’s not obviously a top five, top three, so still lots of work to do, but I think overall a positive day today.”
“I have to nail it down for tomorrow, but we know the limitations. We just had our first long run, and it’s good that we saw some limitations there as well, which I think are slightly bigger than probably the short run.”
“We will definitely put it all together for tomorrow to combine between the long run and short run,” Tsunoda added.
Tsunoda on Red Bull challenging McLaren at F1 Imola GP
McLaren once again showed ominous pace at Imola, locking out the top two in both practice sessions. Thus, Tsunoda remained pragmatic about Red Bull’s potential to close the gap heading into Saturday.
Pressed on whether the former champions could do anything about McLaren’s edge, he said: “I think in FP2 it’s kind of the usual story that we’re quite close, and in Qualifying and the race they’re able to make a step.”
“We’ll definitely focus on what we have to improve. At least for myself, I just have to focus on myself and just keep improving,” he concluded.
Tsunoda’s measured tone reflects Red Bull’s brader approach after a relatively muted Friday. However, with improvements expected from both car and river heading into Qualifying, the 24 year old remains quietly optimistic about delivering a stronger performance at the F1 Imola GP.
