Yuki Tsunoda has reflected on a disappointing first race for Red Bull at the F1 Japanese GP, while his teammate Max Verstappens, stuns the home crowd with a win.
Following his Q2 elimination on Saturday, Yuki Tsunoda admits he has work to do after a disappointing first race for Red Bull.
While team-mate Max Verstappen held off the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to win, Tsunoda struggled in the midpack.
Though he pushed hard, and moved to the fringes of the points in the closing stages, he could only manage a P12 finish.
Although he comfortably outpaced the recently demoted Liam Lawson, he still finished behind the Racing Bulls of Isack Hadjar.
Speaking in the media pen after the race, Tsunoda admitted the lack of tyre degradation hindered his progress.
“In terms of the setup itself, it was more towards the rain, which didn’t happen. That was a bit unfortunate, but I knew it was going to be tough overtaking. I was expecting a massive tyre degradation. It could be a really good situation, but the degradation was zero.
“Everything was not towards me, but at the same time, I learned a lot of things about the car. This and 52 laps are the first time I’ve got, so I’m excited for the next race.”
A learning experience for Yuki Tsunoda
Tsunoda said the F1 Japanese GP was a learning experience. He revealed the red flags during practice prevented any meaningful data being gathered ahead of qualifying.
However, when asked, the Japanese driver said he is comfortable from Bahrain in having the RB21 with more movement.
“Yes, I think so. To be honest, after FP3, I was considering to go lower as much as Max. Already after FP3, I didn’t have much time because of the fire, red flag.
“Also, we changed a lot of setups. I didn’t have a consistent lap. I thought I just wanted to keep it the same car to qualify in the race because there was still a chance for the rain. I just wanted to have a consistent car. If I have one more Grand Prix, exactly the same Grand Prix, I’ll go a different way.”
He also acknowldged his results looked poor on paper, but was encouraged by his experience and progress during the race.
“Yes, in terms of progress I’ve had this week, it’s far more than expected, to be honest. I just keep what I’m doing.
“Like I said, 52 laps was very big for me. In terms of confidence level, it’s completely different compared to what I started in FP1 this weekend. I’m sure if I had one more qualifying it will be a little bit different.
Tsunoda then admitted that his performance in Bahrain must improve after his first outing in a Red Bull.
“It’s too late, I don’t have any more. I just have to do better in the next race. You have Red Bull branding on them, but they’re still different teams.
A vastly different car to Racing Bulls
Tsunoda also revealed the difference at Red Bull compared to Racing Bulls, both inside and outside of the car.
“It’s quite a lot of difference, especially how to operate the tyres is a lot different. That’s one of the things that made me struggle this weekend. At least now I know what’s the reason.
“I just have to do better. In terms of environment, actually the mechanics are quite similar. I think no offence to the British, but it’s a bit more straight.
“They’re all English. I thought it would be more direct, but they’re very friendly, as much as Italian.
“They were very, very supportive. Even today after the race, they were saying good job. You can’t say good job if they’re excited for the next race.
“In terms of motivation, I’m happy that I was able to give them motivation. Also, they’re doing really good. They’re very supportive to make it work.
‘Good mileage’ to help in Bahrain
The Japanese driver also confirmed his learnings from this weekend will applied to the rest of the triple header.
“The mileage I have in this first race, the mileage I have in this Grand Prix is quite solid.”
“It’s completely different from where I started this weekend. The mileage is my biggest asset that I got this weekend.
” I think it’s a good thing. I don’t think I started negative this weekend, at least positive. I feel I had a good start, apart from the results. Just use this kind of learning to progress the amount of speed I have throughout the week so far.
“I just want to continue from Bahrain. From Bahrain, I’m expecting more, for sure, more than this. I just have to push more.
Tsunoda was also delighted at the support offered by his home crowd during the race.
” I mean, they are much more than before. The amount of people I saw this weekend was massive. More than any years I saw.
“Thank you to them. That’s why even I feel very frustrated and disappointed I didn’t get to score points. It is what it is.
“Next time when I come to a Grand Prix, I’m just in better shape. Hopefully I can aim for more than the top five.
