Yuki Tsunoda Ready to Optimize Performance with Red Bull in Bahrain

After a challenging home race at the Japanese Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda is eager to fully leverage the potential of the RB21 in Bahrain. Following Liam Lawson’s difficult start, Red Bull management made the strategic decision to replace him with Tsunoda ahead of the Suzuka race. However, several red flags disrupted his preparation, resulting in a qualifying position of P15. Despite this, Tsunoda’s 12th place finish in a race with minimal overtakes was impressive.

Understanding Tyre Preparation is Key for Yuki Tsunoda

I am looking forward to being in Bahrain this weekend and having time to fully focus on racing with my Team,” Tsunoda said in Red Bull’s race preview. His Japanese campaign showed promise, but his race was compromised by a less-than-optimal Saturday performance, leaving him with “mixed feelings” about his debut.

I loved having my home race but I am equally excited to have a quieter week in Bahrain to get to grips with this car properly, really work with my Team and settle into life with Oracle Red Bull Racing,” he continued. “I think if I can understand our tyre prep better then I can put the car in a better place for race day and hopefully score the points and performance I know we are capable of.

The Bahrain Grand Prix, unlike Japan, will be hard on tyres due to long straights and tough braking zones. The rear tyres will be particularly challenged. “I learnt so much across the weekend in Suzuka, I understand the RB21 so much better now and also how the Team operate in different ways to what I have been used to,” Tsunoda explained. “It’s down to me to apply that now and make sure I can perform and get the most from this car.

He continued, “Bahrain is a track we all know very well and will be totally different conditions to Japan, so I need to get up to speed quickly and ensure qualifying goes well this week.” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has made his expectations clear, something that the driver understands. “I need to be as close to Max as possible to try and compete for the constructors’ title and benefit the team strategically in every race,” Tsunoda concluded.