Yuki Tsunoda’s Private Test with Red Bull’s 2023 Car at Silverstone

After an exhilarating triple-header, Red Bull’s driver Yuki Tsunoda is all set for a private test next week at the iconic Silverstone circuit. The 24-year-old Japanese racer will pilot the 2023 RB19, offering him a valuable opportunity to accelerate his assimilation into the Formula 1 team.

Preparing for the Test: A Look Back and Forward

Fresh from his Red Bull debut at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month, Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson in this test session. With back-to-back races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia following swiftly, Tsunoda has had limited time to acclimate to the more challenging RB21, a car grappling with severe balance issues.

Interestingly, Tsunoda’s test drive of an older model (TPC) was pre-arranged when he joined the squad. As per regulations, this type of test must be conducted using machinery at least two seasons old. This could prove advantageous for Tsunoda as he gets to experience the car that Red Bull dominated with over the 2023 season, driven by world champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

As Tsunoda continues to familiarize himself with Red Bull’s driving style and team setup methods, this test offers him a chance to feel the difference between his current car and a superior one.

Previous Testing Sessions and Expectations

It’s worth noting that Tsunoda’s predecessor, Lawson, also received a day in the same car at the Spanish circuit of Jerez in February, in preparation for his 2025 campaign.

Despite scoring his first points for Red Bull with ninth place at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Tsunoda admitted he is still adapting to the RB21’s unique characteristics. “It comes down to experience,” Tsunoda said ahead of the Jeddah weekend. “This car behaves quite differently at each track, so it’s hard to predict.

Despite a crash in FP2 after clipping the inside wall of Jeddah’s final corner, Tsunoda demonstrated resilience by returning for third practice following necessary repairs. As he continues his journey with Red Bull, this test at Silverstone promises to be an essential stepping stone in his development.