Tsunoda’s Struggles at Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda has participated in nine races with Red Bull after taking over Liam Lawson’s Formula 1 seat during the Japanese Grand Prix.
Limited Impact on the Team
His impact has been minimal, accumulating only seven points while team-mate Max Verstappen has scored 119. Tsunoda’s qualifying results also reveal a grim picture, with recent starts from grid positions of 20th, 12th, 19th, 18th, and again 18th.
Different Pressure Dynamics
Typically, such results would elevate pressure, but the circumstances at Red Bull differ this time. Recent months have demonstrated that the problem does not solely rest with the drivers. Sergio Perez struggled last year, Lawson didn’t make a significant impact, and Tsunoda finds himself in a similar predicament. The underlying issue seems structural, leading team advisor Helmut Marko to affirm that Tsunoda will finish the season at Red Bull.
Future Considerations
It could be argued that Tsunoda’s performance is secondary, provided he avoids costly crashes. With the cost cap and the impending 2026 season, repair costs will impact development budgets. Regardless, Red Bull appears destined for a fourth-place finish in the constructors’ championship, independent of who occupies the second seat.
Lack of Alternatives
There are no evident alternatives; Isack Hadjar feels unprepared, and prematurely disrupting another young talent’s career would be unwise. Lawson has already had his chance while Arvid Lindblad is a long-term project—Realistically, immediate substitutes are lacking.
Leadership Response
Consequently, Red Bull’s leaders are adopting a more tempered approach, even after Tsunoda placed last among classified drivers in the Austrian GP. Team principal Christian Horner commented on Tsunoda’s struggles in Q1 during post-race media sessions, emphasizing the need for support and confidence rebuilding as the team looks ahead.
Insights from Dunne’s Performance
Recent signs from outside Red Bull indicate persistent car issues rather than driver failures. Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne’s debut F1 practice session with McLaren yielded a noteworthy fourth-place finish. Insights gained from Dunne’s drive further highlighted the difficulties faced by new drivers in Red Bull cars, contrasting sharply with more forgiving alternatives.
