F1’s Yuki Tsunoda Faces Uphill Battle in Red Bull as FIA Steward Questions Team’s Strategy
Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles at Red Bull have caught the attention of FIA steward Derek Warwick, who questions the team’s approach in setting up the RB21 car for the young driver. Warwick, a former F1 podium visitor, expressed confusion over Red Bull’s inability to tailor the car to suit Tsunoda’s driving style, labeling the RB21 as “by far the most difficult car on the grid.”
With Red Bull currently sitting in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, Tsunoda’s lackluster performance alongside Max Verstappen has raised concerns about the team’s handling of the second RB21. Despite being considered one of the best drivers in the world, Tsunoda has struggled to make an impact, scoring only seven points in seven race weekends.
Warwick believes that Red Bull’s focus on catering to Verstappen’s preferences makes it challenging for other drivers to find success in the car. While acknowledging that drivers have different preferences in car handling, he suggests that the team should be able to adjust the set-up to make it more drivable for Tsunoda.
The Japanese driver’s underwhelming form has sparked rumors of a potential promotion for Isack Hadjar, a promising rookie with Racing Bulls in F1 2025. However, Racing Bulls’ chief executive, Peter Bayer, is keen on retaining Hadjar for the foreseeable future to allow him to gain more experience in the sport.
As Tsunoda continues to face difficulties in adapting to the demands of the RB21, the spotlight remains on Red Bull’s handling of their young driver and the team dynamics alongside Verstappen. Will Tsunoda be able to turn the tide and secure better results, or will Red Bull need to reassess their strategy to support their up-and-coming talent?
