Yuki Tsunoda is on the verge of a revelation! The young star of Formula 1 has boldly claimed that he was faster than reigning champion Max Verstappen on multiple occasions during the electrifying Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. Despite finishing outside the points for the third consecutive race, Tsunoda insists that the outcome does not do justice to his speed on the iconic Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
Starting from the pit lane after a dismal Q1 elimination due to incorrect tire pressure, Tsunoda managed to claw his way to a 12th-place finish, benefiting from the disqualification of both McLaren drivers. However, the result left a bitter taste in his mouth as he felt his true potential was masked by a series of unfortunate events. “The [Virtual] Safety Car [was called] right after I pitted. So that’s not ideal at all, and that’s it really,” Tsunoda lamented to reporters, expressing his frustration with the luck that seems to have abandoned him since joining Red Bull.
He went on to emphasize that his performance during practice sessions was impressive, revealing, “Multiple times – FP1, FP2, FP3 – in multiple laps, I was ahead of Max in performance runs.” This statement not only highlights his confidence but also raises eyebrows about Verstappen’s remarkable ability to elevate his game during competitive sessions. Tsunoda acknowledged, “Obviously one of his strengths is he’ll bring the car on his level, to another level in qualifying, which is his strength.”
Despite his disappointment, Tsunoda remains optimistic, asserting that his pace is trending in the right direction. “I think the pace I’ve shown until qualifying was good,” he said, noting that the qualifying session felt out of his control—a significant lost opportunity for the young driver. “It’s tough… I know I couldn’t really show it in the result,” he added, revealing the internal struggle of a driver eager to prove himself.
Red Bull’s Team Principal Laurent Mekies admitted that the team’s strategy had ultimately cost Tsunoda valuable points in Las Vegas. “Obviously, with Yuki we lost the points yesterday. We know that,” he said, explaining that an aggressive pit strategy was implemented to avoid traffic but ultimately fell short of its goal.
As the F1 season progresses, Tsunoda’s determination and undeniable speed could be the spark that ignites a breakthrough performance. With the right circumstances and a bit of luck, he might just shake up the standings and prove his critics wrong. Will Yuki Tsunoda finally get the results that reflect his undeniable talent? The racing world will be watching closely.
