Tsunoda is optimistic about perfecting the setup of the Red Bull car.
"I experimented with various setups in the simulator."
Yuki Tsunoda believes that effectively handling the challenging 2025 Red Bull may rely more on setup adjustments than on its inherent characteristics. With Liam Lawson moved back to Racing Bulls, Tsunoda is tasked with closing the gap to Max Verstappen in a car that perfectly aligns with the four-time world champion's driving style. Lawson's predecessor, Sergio Perez, also faced difficulties driving a Red Bull tailored to Verstappen’s preference, but his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, suggests he understands the reason behind it. "The car with the number 1 was different from the car with the number 11," he stated during an interview with Formula De 2. However, Tsunoda mentioned that he shares Verstappen’s preference for aggressive, oversteering vehicles. "When I drove the RB21 in the simulator, I did recognize some of the challenges that drivers frequently mention," he explained. "Yet, rather than perceiving the car as extremely hard to drive in the simulator, I sensed that the setup was entirely different. Given the issues Liam encountered, I anticipated it would be harder to handle." Team advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has also suggested that Red Bull plans to try 'softer' setups for the sister car to enhance drivability. "I experimented with a range of setups in the simulator for two days and believe I've come up with one that suits me to some extent," Tsunoda confirmed. "Now I just need to test it here at Suzuka." Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher mentioned he would have declined the challenging position next to Verstappen, but Marko indicated that, contractually, Tsunoda could not have refused it. "It wasn’t something I had even considered," Tsunoda remarked, "but offers from top teams are rare, so I responded immediately and said, ‘I’ll do it.’" Should Tsunoda struggle, both Marko and former Racing Bulls chief Franz Tost have praised the promising performance this season of rookie Isack Hadjar. Marko referred to the 20-year-old as "the surprise of the season so far." "If I get the call," French-Algerian Hadjar said on Thursday at Suzuka, "I would definitely say I’m ready. And even if I’m not (ready), I might still claim that I am," he chuckled.
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