Yuki Tsunoda reckons he impressed Red Bull with his technical feedback in his recent Formula 1 test for the team – knowing it is an area the squad has doubted him on.
The Japanese was handed his first proper run in a Red Bull car at the recent post-season Abu Dhabi tyre test, at a time when the Milton Keynes-based outfit is deciding what to do with its driver line-up for 2025.
But while Tsunoda is an obvious candidate for a step up from RB if Sergio Perez is dropped for next year, it is understood that the team’s scepticism about his technical feedback and behaviour in the car has always counted against him.
Reflecting on his day’s running at the Yas Marina circuit, Tsunoda feels that he finally managed to quell some of those concerns about him – which could help boost his chances of a promotion.
It is understood that Red Bull will make an announcement about its driver plans later this week, although his team-mate Liam Lawson remains the favourite to get moved up if Perez is axed.
Speaking at the Honda Racing season finale event, Tsunoda said: “I heard a lot about how impressed they were, particularly with my feedback.
“This came not only from the trackside engineers but also from the engineers supporting remotely from Red Bull’s factory in Milton Keynes. They mentioned how impressed they were with my input.
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Ronald Vording
“That area was a key target for me. I believe Red Bull already understands that my speed isn’t much of an issue. Instead, what they’re more focused on is things like my feedback, my behaviour within the team, and how I conduct myself in the car. They probably saw those areas as the biggest unknowns.
“So while keeping that in mind, I continued to provide feedback as I always have, aiming to communicate as thoroughly and with as much detail as possible.”
While Tsunoda found some differences in Red Bull’s approach compared to the RB team that he has raced for, he said the biggest contrast was the depth of technical explanation that he was asked to provide.
“Even though the two teams are quite different, there are some similarities, particularly in the positive atmosphere,” he said.
“Our team feels very Italian – friendly with lots of physical gestures and interactions. Meanwhile, Red Bull also has a very energetic vibe, almost like being in a pub.
“If I were to give one example regarding the engineering process, Red Bull…
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