Verstappen gives Tsunoda assessment with p…read more
Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen recently provided a surprising assessment of his Red Bull teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, following a challenging qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix. This year, the partnership under the guidance of team principal Christian Horner has presented unique challenges, and this weekend’s race serves as a microcosm of their contrasting experiences. Verstappen will start the race from the third position (P3), while Tsunoda finds himself starting from the last position (P20).
The struggles of the RB21 car have weighed heavily on both drivers, amplifying the pressures associated with competing at such high levels. Verstappen has openly expressed his frustrations regarding the car’s notorious handling, which has not only hampered his performances but has also raised concerns about Tsunoda’s future with the team. After previously disappointing performances, the questioning of Tsunoda’s position within Red Bull has reached a new intensity, especially given the high expectations that accompany driving for the prestigious team.
During qualifying, Tsunoda’s early exit in Q1 was a shock, even to him. The 25-year-old driver took to the team radio, revealing his confusion after believing he had completed a clean lap. To make matters worse, he finished the session behind Franco Colapinto, who had to abandon his Alpine in the pit lane due to mechanical issues, further underscoring the disappointing nature of Tsunoda’s performance.
Amid the growing scrutiny surrounding Tsunoda’s capabilities, Verstappen stepped in to defend him. “Yuki is no pancake,” he stated in a post-session media interview. His remark, although cryptic, seemed to imply that Tsunoda should not be underestimated despite his struggles. Verstappen continued with a statement that hinted at broader issues within the team, suggesting that the challenges they face have been ongoing. His comment—”This has obviously been going on for a long time. Maybe that is also a sign. Of what? You can fill in that yourself”—indirectly pointed to the possible drivability issues with the RB21 that could be affecting both drivers.
The climate within Red Bull is particularly tense as they face potential demotion in the constructors’ standings. The qualifying session did not yield the results they had hoped for, as McLaren locked out the front row for the first time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya since 1998, marking a significant achievement for the rival team. McLaren’s continued rise has come amid a stricter regulatory environment, with the FIA implementing new technical directives to curb flexi-wings, yet the changes have not as yet bridged the performance gap.
For Verstappen, who typically thrives in competitive situations, overtaking Lando Norris for P2 at the start of the race is a challenge that he might relish. However, given the impressive speed of McLaren in 2025, claiming victory will be a tall order. Historically, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has favored those starting on pole, with 24 of the last 34 races being won from that position. As it stands, Verstappen has formidable tasks ahead of him, along with the added complexity of Tsunoda’s performance impacting their overall standing and team morale.
Amidst these pressures, the looming specter of Ferrari—just one point behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship standings—heightens the stakes. Verstappen’s candid remarks about the state of the car and Tsunoda’s situation could have broader implications for the team’s strategic decisions moving forward. With only hours before the race begins, Red Bull finds itself at a crucial juncture, with Tsunoda needing not just to recover but to make significant strides if they hope to remain competitive in the championship fight. The dynamics within the team, coupled with the fierce competition on the track, indicate that the upcoming race will be a pivotal moment for Red Bull Racing.
