Tsunoda admits needing time to match Verstappen at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda reveals the challenges he faces in adapting to the Red Bull RB21 Formula 1 car — a vehicle he describes as particularly complex to drive without prior experience.

The Japanese driver, recently promoted to Red Bull‘s main team, shared his perspective in Jeddah:

“I’m quite happy with my confidence level considering we’re only two races in, but I’m trying to understand how this car operates… because I’m not fully understanding even half of it yet.”

Tsunoda acknowledges that his teammate Max Verstappen holds a significant advantage in terms of experience — something crucial given the car’s varying characteristics at different circuits.

After four years with Red Bull‘s junior team, Tsunoda admits he still has much to learn:

“I’m not fully relaxing driving this car – I’m still rushing and not fully in control yet. I know how Max builds his confidence throughout the week compared to how I build confidence, and it’s completely different”

Nevertheless, the Japanese driver is confident he could challenge the four-time world champion once he achieves the same level of confidence behind the wheel.