Yuki Tsunoda has conceded Racing Bulls goes into the 2025 Formula 1 season in not as strong a place as 12 months ago having not made the desired step with its new car.
Racing Bulls maintained the momentum that had witnessed it mount a late surge in 2023 to start the previous campaign as the most competitive team amongst a close midfield.
However, the Faenza-based squad’s bid to reel in Aston Martin saw it accelerate an upgrade package to the Spanish Grand Prix which generated unexpected complications.
Having scored 28 points in the opening nine rounds, Racing Bulls amassed six over the succeeding nine events as reverting to older components saw its competitiveness wane.
Racing Bulls rebounded later on with more new developments, but the earlier-season misstep would prove costly as it dropped behind Alpine and Haas to eighth position.
But while he is convinced the VCARB 02 is an improvement upon its predecessor, Tsunoda has admitted it won’t begin 2025 as competitive relative to the competition.
“I wouldn’t say I think we are going to have complete performance as much as I had first half of the season last year,” Tsunoda, 14th quickest in testing, told media including Motorsport Week.
“So I think it will be a little bit trickier to fight the top 10, to score points it will be very, very tight. Still, there’s a bit of a step forward, but not enough compared to what we want so far.”
Tsunoda unconcerned about Racing Bulls issue
Despite logging the third most laps (454), Racing Bulls experienced some teething trouble with the brakes during testing that resigned Tsunoda to a period in the garage.
But the Japanese driver was unconcerned, highlighting that unearthing technical issues will enable the side to install preventative measures to minimise a reoccurrence.
Asked to expand more upon his feeling about the VCARB 02, Tsunoda replied: “I think I was quite surprised. Yeah, productive days, I guess.
“We got a bit bumpy and things didn’t really go in the way that we wanted sometimes, but that’s what the test is for, and I think it’s good to have those issues, to prevent issues in the future.
“I’m pretty happy with the last three days, and looking forward.”
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