Yuki Tsunoda experienced a significant improvement in his race pace at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which stemmed from his choice to skip his summer holiday to assist Red Bull in overcoming difficulties.
While the rest of the Formula 1 paddock relaxed after the Hungarian GP in August, Tsunoda believed it was essential to remain focused, especially after his team’s disappointing performance at the Hungaroring, where he finished 17th and teammate Max Verstappen placed ninth.
On Sunday evening, he informed team boss Laurent Mekies of his decision to cancel his flight back to Japan for vacation. Instead, he opted to return to the UK to work in Red Bull’s simulator, collaborating with team members to identify and rectify the car’s issues. The insights gained during that week fueled Tsunoda’s determination to push for improvements in the RB21 and address his challenges with the car’s handling.
This proactive approach led Tsunoda to request additional simulator sessions, where he made breakthroughs that enhanced his performance in the following races. He highlighted the change in his driving experience during practice in Baku, stating, “I never had this kind of pace. Everything now makes sense more in terms of the degradation I’m having.”
Despite facing difficulties since joining Red Bull Racing, Tsunoda’s work ethic has remained a strong point. Mekies remarked on Tsunoda’s commitment, noting that even after the challenging race in Budapest, he immediately returned to the simulator instead of taking his holiday.
The Baku Breakthrough
The culmination of Tsunoda’s efforts manifested in an impressive performance in Baku, where he reported a “massive” improvement. Although he was tight-lipped about the specific changes he made to the car, it was evident that these adjustments had a positive impact.
Tsunoda’s incremental improvements allowed him to compete fiercely from sixth on the grid, showcasing what Mekies described as “serious race pace.” Even though he could not surpass Liam Lawson for fifth place, holding off competitors like Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton significantly impressed his team.
The 2026 Driver Call
After Mekies indicated that Tsunoda’s chances of retaining his spot at Red Bull in 2026 hinged on his race pace, his performance in Baku offered optimism. Red Bull wanted to gather “clean samples” of Tsunoda’s capabilities, and his race in Baku fulfilled that criteria.
Although he finished behind Lawson, who is effectively his rival for a potential seat in the Red Bull F1 family, Tsunoda remains aware that he needs to continue improving. The competition for the 2026 lineup is complex, with various contenders vying for limited positions, putting additional pressure on Tsunoda and Lawson to elevate their performances.
