Yuki Tsunoda has expressed that he “didn’t struggle to adapt” to Red Bull’s 2024 car in his maiden appearance with the senior team in the Formula 1 post-season test.
Tsunoda has completed his debut outing in a modern Red Bull car as he drove the RB20 at the Yas Marina Circuit on the track day that succeeded the weekend’s race.
The Japanese racer amassed a mammoth 126 laps as he sampled Pirelli’s 2025 compounds, producing a best time of 1:24.689s as he ended up in 17th place overall.
Tsunoda has divulged that he could notice an evident step in competitiveness between the RB car that he has driven throughout the season compared to the Red Bull.
“I mean, first different car I’ve driven in the last four years,” Tsunoda told Viaplay midway through his run programme.
“It’s definitely [a clear] feeling the reason why this car was fighting for the championship and I feel clear a difference between what I was driving.
“So, we have such a productive day so far, so I think pretty happy with it.”
Tsunoda gelled with Red Bull’s RB20
Tsunoda’s run with the parent group’s team comes as Red Bull is expected to announce that Sergio Perez will not retain his drive into 2025 amid a tumultuous season.
Perez struggled to adapt to the worsening balance issues that blighted Red Bull’s campaign, which contributed to him accruing a mere 21 points in the last 11 rounds.
But Tsunoda, who is thought to be behind RB team-mate Liam Lawson in the race to replace Perez, admitted he gelled with the RB20 and could notice its weak points.
Asked whether Red Bull’s 2024 challenger is a car that suits his driving style, Tsunoda responded: “I think so.
“To be honest, I didn’t really struggle much to adapt or, you know, I mean, I didn’t really have much like a dirty lap or anything.
“Even in the long run, I was able to drive quite consistent and straight away felt the limitations of the car.
“If you don’t have confidence in the car, you can’t feel any limitations. So that’s a good sign. That’s a good start.
“Obviously, a lot of things that I have to dig in[to] more, but so far… very fun.”
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