Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that a loss of power on his Red Bull during his final run in qualifying for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix cost him a spot in the top 10 shootout
The Japanese driver entered the weekend at Silverstone with confidence, stating he had spent time away to help “build up my rhythm”, as well as explaining he had been given a chance to try new things on his RB21.
Tsunoda looked set to exorcise some personal demons after a miserable run of form and results, but the seemingly never-ending curse of the second Red Bull seat put a stop to that.
He revealed that towards the end of Q2, and looking in good shape to progress to Q3, the car suffered a decrease in power, rendering his afternoon over, and condemning him to an 11th-place start.
“I lost the power, to be honest,” Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week. “I started with the lap, launching into the last corner, the power I normally get – I didn’t have it.
“I lost about a tenth in Turn 3, just from that lap time until the main straight. And a couple of acceleration boosts that was not working in the last push.
“So, considering that, the lap was pretty good. And how tight it was… I think most likely I was going through to Q3. So, really annoying. Q3 was possible.”
Tsunoda ‘really happy’ with progress
Tsunoda was not entirely downcast, however, and discussed the upturn in his driving, stating that despite the result, he has seen marked improvement.
“Really happy with the progress I’ve had,” he said.
“I think this was the cleanest race weekend we’ve had so far. The confidence and everything… Car felt good in qualifying. Every time, there’s something I get in the last push.
“Well, it’s not always the last push, but this time it was the last push, when it counts. It’s annoying. And to be honest, like I said – without that, I would’ve gone through to Q3. So yeah, that’s annoying.”
Tsunoda provided a glass-half-full approach to the race, saying the 12th place isn’t necessarily the worst position, and is hopeful of scoring some much-needed points.
“At least I’m not starting P18… closer to the points,” he said. “So, you know, that helps. I’m looking forward to the race. It’s been a while since I scored points, to be honest.
“Last time I scored… I don’t remember. So, I have to score points and make the team happy.
“So, it’s probably still going to be a tough race, but at least we made a couple of steps that I think I can do.
“I know what to do better going into the race as well. So, I’m still being optimistic. But I don’t think you’ve seen the full picture yet.
“And at the same time, still – it’s not – there are a couple of bits and bobs of it, you know. I know there’s something to come from the car as well. So… coming races, let’s say, so let’s see.”
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