Yuki Tsunoda: Of course, the changes couldn't be crazier!

      Demonstration races with the participation of Red Bull and Racing Bulls racers were held in Tokyo today, in which Yuki Tsunoda took part as Max Verstappen's team-mate.

      We told you that the recent changes in the status of the Japanese racer are exciting for his compatriots, and today's race show, which gathered about 5,000 viewers, was another confirmation of this.

      After completing the Red Bull Showrun program in the Japanese capital, Yuki talked to the press, and he had to answer the main questions that are of interest to everyone – both journalists and fans. Curiously, he compares the challenge he faces to his experience in Formula 2 – Tsunoda made his debut in this youth series in 2020.

      "I want to say that now I feel the same emotions as in Formula 2! I was wearing the same dark blue uniform back then and I was quite successful," the Japanese racer cheerfully shared, making a reservation that the Red Bull Racing team had prepared a special version of the uniform for the upcoming weekend in Suzuka. – However, now I have to wear a white jumpsuit again, and I won't be able to get rid of this color so quickly!

      But I'm thrilled to be joining this team, and I have a very fighting spirit. Although the changes, of course, couldn't be crazier!. Of course, at my home Grand Prix, I will have to withstand the strongest pressure from Red Bull, but I think the most important thing for me right now is to have more fun.

      If I feel that I understand the features of this car, and I feel 100% comfortable driving the RB21, then the results will come by themselves. I just want to start training as soon as possible and start adapting to the car.

      I have no doubt that it will be difficult for me, since I don't have much time for training, but in order for everything to work out, I need to try to work as efficiently as possible. Although I'm still confident in my abilities.

      I only managed to work on the simulator at the team's base in Milton Keynes for a couple of days. Moreover, between the stages in China and Japan, I was scheduled to participate in numerous marketing campaigns, but some of them even had to be canceled.

      At least we tried to prepare as well as possible. Whether this will be enough, I don't know yet. In any case, I can say for sure that it was two very productive days. We've tried out a lot of chassis settings and found the right direction – at least we know where to start.

      At the end of last year, I piloted the RB20 on a real track, and this time I worked with the RB21 on a simulator, and in the case of a virtual car model, it's much easier to achieve a comfortable driving experience. You'll agree that you don't need much confidence here.

      But there is a definite difference between the simulator and the real track. Although, if you remember what problems Liam faced, I expected it to be more difficult to pilot. I have no doubt that there will be difficulties anyway, because the RB21 is very different from the Racing Bulls car in many ways. In general, I need to stay calm and try to feel the behavior of a new technique for me."

      Today, Max Verstappen took Yuki for a ride along an improvised urban highway in the Tokyo harbor area on a prototype of a new Honda sports car, and the Japanese racer was asked how his relationship with his new team-mate was developing.

      "Yes, he can be a great Uber driver! After today's trip, I give it five stars! Tsunoda joked. – I mean, we've already had a good relationship since my very first year with Red Bull. He's just a great guy, one of the best drivers, and probably the best in modern Formula 1.

      I will learn from him, try to learn as much as possible, understand his approach to piloting, figure out how he manages to maximize the potential of the car. Anyway, we'll see how things turn out, but right now I'm looking forward to working with him."