Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, believes Yuki Tsunoda is adjusting well to his new team after his first race weekend with them in Japan.
Tsunoda qualified 15th, behind Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced, due to a mistake in Q2.
However, he overtook Lawson at the start and gained another position by undercutting Pierre Gasly of Alpine during pit stops. For the remainder of his home race, he remained behind Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin.
Horner commented, “He`s settling into the team nicely and providing valuable feedback. His performance in P1 was very strong, and P3 was also good.”
He added, “In Q1, he was very close to Max, just a tenth behind. In Q2, he made an error at Turn 1 when he was significantly faster than his previous runs. This mistake impacted the rest of his lap.”
“His qualifying position largely determined his race outcome, in a race where overtaking was limited. A better qualifying position would have meant a better finish.”
Horner concluded, “He is now getting comfortable within the team, and we anticipate his performance to improve in the upcoming races.”
Tsunoda Expresses “Mixed Feelings”
Despite being only a tenth of a second behind Verstappen in the first practice session, Tsunoda couldn`t maintain that pace in qualifying. Verstappen ultimately secured pole position and won the race.
Red Bull has stated their priority is the drivers` championship this season, and Tsunoda is expected to support Verstappen strategically.
Tsunoda told Sky Sports F1, “I`m satisfied with my performance level, but the final result is quite disappointing.”
“I had hoped for more from my home Grand Prix, so my feelings are mixed.”
“I am progressing, gaining confidence with the car, and felt in control towards the end of the race. I believe with another qualifying run, the result would have been different.”
“Considering my limited time in the car, I am content. Having Max as my teammate is a great learning opportunity, and I`m looking forward to Bahrain.”
Hadjar Would Welcome Red Bull Opportunity
Lawson reached Q2 for the first time this season, but finished 17th after his tire strategy didn`t pay off.
Lawson mentioned, “I need to continue improving and adapt to the car. We showed good pace throughout the weekend, but not when it counted. However, there are positives to take away.”
Isack Hadjar had another strong weekend, qualifying seventh and finishing eighth in the race, just behind Lewis Hamilton.
Hadjar overcame seatbelt issues during qualifying to demonstrate his speed. His performance in Japan marked his first points finish, answering doubts after a crash in the Australian Grand Prix.
When asked about potentially joining Red Bull in the future, Hadjar responded, “I`m happy where I am currently but would certainly not refuse a call-up! For now, I`m just enjoying myself.”
Sky Sports F1 Bahrain GP Schedule
Thursday April 10
- 2pm: Drivers` Press Conference
Friday April 11
- 8.50am: F3 Practice
- 10am: F2 Practice
- 12pm: Bahrain GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)*
- 1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
- 2.40pm: F2 Qualifying
- 3.35pm: Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
- 5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday April 12
- 11.10am: F3 Sprint Race
- 1.15pm: Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30pm)
- 3.10pm: F2 Sprint
- 4.10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up
- 5pm: BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
- 7pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday April 13
- 10.50am: F3 Feature Race
- 12.20pm: F2 Feature Race
- 2.30pm: Bahrain GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 4pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
- 6pm: Bahrain GP reaction: Chequered Flag
- 7pm: Ted`s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 continues in Bahrain for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
