Nico Rosberg expressed confusion over the continued issues with the second Red Bull Formula 1 seat, citing Yuki Tsunoda’s recent Italian Grand Prix showing as proof of concerns.
Since midway through the 2023 season, there’s been a sharp decline in the results from the Red Bull seat that isn’t occupied by Max Verstappen.
First it was Sergio Perez, then Liam Lawson and finally Yuki Tsunoda, each failing to find the results of the Dutchman alongside them.
Tsunoda qualified in 10th at Monza, making it through to Q3 and looking for a strong points finish in the race.
He ran in the points until he made contact with Lawson in the closing stages, losing his ability to be competitive after sustaining damage.
In his Sky Sports punditry role after the race, Rosberg commented on the gap between the teammates, the 2016 World Champion bewildered at Red Bull’s inability to rectify the problem.
“This has been years now, and once again, Yuki today is more than seven-tenths behind Max Verstappen,” he said.
“That’s inexplicable — like I don’t understand, because Yuki is great. He knows how to drive a racing car. How is it possible he’s just so far behind once again?”
With the issue persisting across multiple seasons, Rosberg noted how the issue hasn’t improved; if anything, it’s gotten worse, with the second seat consistently leaving drivers at the back of the field.
“It’s crazy that they can’t find a solution to that.”
Rosberg did recognise that Tsunoda’s car “is not 100 per cent the same as Max Verstappen.”
However, it moved away from the concept that it could be responsible for Tsunoda being seven-tenths slower than his counterpart.
“Maybe it’s a tenth or something,” he said.
“I feel for Yuki, because this is, again, a really, really tough day.”
Tsunoda ‘happy’ with performance
While the Japanese driver acknowledged that he could’ve had a better start for the Italian GP, he also admitted he was happy with the performance he showed, taking a step forward.
“Traditionally, at this kind of track, you want to have a bit of circulation and slipstream. I had to lead the pack in Q3, which is kind of opposite to what I want.
“But in the end, overall, I’m happy with the performance. Being in Q3 was the thing I wanted for a long time, and overall I’m happy with it.”
For Tsunoda, the season has left something to be desired. Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bull, taking his maiden podium at the Dutch GP. While Tsunoda is fighting for the final points positions.
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