Yuki Tsunoda has said that he feels “naturally close” to Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, in terms of car set-up, ahead of today’s Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix.
In what is his second race weekend for the Milton Keynes squad, Tsunoda was able to close the gap to Verstappen in qualifying on Saturday, getting within three-tenths of the Dutchman, with the Japanese only three places behind on the grid.
Last time out at Suzuka, Tsunoda was only able to make it into Q2, but in doing so, already bettered previous driver Liam Lawson’s performances in the RB21, and in Bahrain, he was able to make it into Q3.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week, Tsunoda conveyed that, whilst his understanding of the car “is not there yet,” he feels that the set-up is near a level with that of Verstappen’s.
“Setup-wise, I think we are close naturally, somehow, so that’s pretty good,” he said. “I think in terms of confidence level in the car, for myself, I just need a bit more time to build up throughout the week.
“So that creates a bit more downside to try different sort of test items. But I think how we drive is not so far away, so the balance, normally what I ask is actually kind of similar.”
However, Tsunoda is still aware that there is much more to give, given that he is only two weekends into his journey with the team.
“But just the warm-up and to be in the performance, to operate the car in a good window, there’s a lot of stuff other than setup, so that’s what I’m striving at so far.
“Probably I’m not understanding about this car, even half of things. So just keep what I’m doing.”
Yuki Tsunoda admits ‘I had to calm myself down’ after Q1 lap deletion
Tsunoda’s appearance in Q3 might not have even happened, after having a lap deleted in Q1, which rendered him to the drop zone.
However, a late lap without problems put him through, and was able to build on that to make it to the final stage of the session.
Tsunoda said that despite having the lap deleted, he “had a good feeling already then, so I just have to calm down myself.”
Admitting the race “won’t be easy,” Tsunoda said he would be “happy” with P10, but is “aiming for at least around P8.”
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