Tsunoda back in contention following Baku success.

      "This weekend has boosted my confidence for what's ahead,"

      22 September 2025 - 16:57

      Yuki Tsunoda may have renewed his prospects of continuing with Red Bull for 2026 after delivering what team principal Laurent Mekies described as his "best race" since his promotion. The Japanese driver secured P6 in Baku, successfully resisting Lando Norris and aiding Max Verstappen in capitalizing on his victory while reducing McLaren's lead in the standings.

      "We met after the race in Monza—Tsunoda was at times a second slower than Max—and decided on a different strategy," said Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko to Sky Deutschland.

      "To put it simply, he requires more coaching because he has less experience than Max. We adjusted the car more to suit his preferences."

      Marko noted that the team is now providing more direct coaching to Tsunoda. "We’re advising him on what Max does in specific situations," he elaborated. "And we’ve adjusted the car to better match his preferences, making it less demanding at the limit."

      Tsunoda mentioned that the adjustments, including additional simulator practice, have boosted his confidence behind the wheel. "All the effort I’ve invested over the past few weeks is starting to bear fruit," he remarked.

      "I observed a few aspects where Max approached things differently, and I immediately applied those in the simulator, which felt good. Translating that to the track is another challenge, but I have made progress."

      He acknowledged the existing gap to Verstappen is significant. "Of course, my performance isn’t at Max’s level," Tsunoda stated, "but I am taking it one step at a time.

      "This weekend has given me more confidence for the future. I’ll continue with my current approach."

      In the race, Tsunoda defended vigorously against Norris despite wearing tyres that were fading. "It wasn’t easy," he confessed. "I was on the same tyres used in qualifying, and they overheated quite quickly.

      "Clearly, I can’t make aggressive moves that would risk my position, as that would harm Red Bull’s focus, with McLaren in front of us."

      He expressed that his main objective was to support Verstappen. "The priority is to stay in front of McLaren. I believe that’s the most crucial element for the Red Bull team.

      "We’re not conceding this season, particularly regarding Max's chances at winning the drivers' title. I’ll endeavor to maximize the car’s potential, and it would be fantastic if I could assist him."

      With Isack Hadjar being widely considered for promotion in 2026, Tsunoda realizes his future in Formula 1 is still uncertain.

      However, following Baku, Mekies praised him highly: "He drove his best race here since joining Red Bull."