Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing’s Japanese driver, voiced frustration over direct comparisons with four-time champion Max Verstappen during the 2025 Formula 1 season, speaking at the Hungaroring, Hungary, on July 31, 2025. He emphasized that technical differences between their RB21 cars, with Verstappen’s featuring more advanced specifications, make such comparisons unfair. Promoted from Racing Bulls at the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda has scored just seven points in ten races, compared to Verstappen’s 165. After reaching Q3 in the Belgian Grand Prix, his best result since Miami, Tsunoda focuses on personal growth, avoiding direct competition with his teammate, who has nine years of team experience. The pressure to deliver and adapt to the RB21, tailored for Verstappen, heightens Tsunoda’s challenges at Red Bull.
Tsunoda acknowledged progress in his garage but stressed that without identical equipment, comparisons with Verstappen are invalid. Under new team principal Laurent Mekies, he seeks support to maximize the RB21’s performance and achieve consistency in 2025.
- Belgian GP performance: Reached Q3 but finished 13th due to a pit-stop error.
- Season points: Seven points in ten races, against Verstappen’s 165.
- Technical challenges: Tsunoda’s RB21 uses outdated components, like the front wing.
- Performance gap: Over three-tenths of a second per lap behind Verstappen.
Technical disparities in RB21 challenge Tsunoda
The RB21, Red Bull’s 2025 car, is designed to suit Max Verstappen’s aggressive and precise driving style, posing adaptation challenges for Tsunoda. Recent upgrades, like the new floor introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix, improved performance, but Tsunoda still uses inferior components, such as an outdated front wing, due to limited part availability.
Red Bull prioritizes Verstappen for upgrades to maximize his championship points, leaving Tsunoda at a disadvantage, particularly on demanding tracks like Spa and Imola.
- Outdated floor: Spa’s upgrade didn’t fully align Tsunoda’s car with Verstappen’s.
- Parts shortage: Limited production favors Verstappen’s car.
- RB21 adjustments: The car demands precision, suiting Verstappen’s style.
Tsunoda highlighted the difficulty of competing without equal equipment. “Max masters the car consistently. I’m learning and progressing at my own pace,” he said, focusing on his development.
Tsunoda’s journey at Red Bull Racing
Promoted after two races by Liam Lawson in 2025, Tsunoda joined Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing ninth. With 91 career points from four years at Racing Bulls, he faced high expectations but struggled with the RB21. A crash in Imola damaged a new floor, and strategic errors, like a mistimed pit-stop in Spa, limited results.
Despite setbacks, Tsunoda showed promise with Q3 in Belgium, but inconsistent upgrades hinder competitiveness. He aims for consistency to prove his worth.
- Suzuka debut: Ninth place, a promising start.
- Imola crash: Floor damage impacted performance.
- 2025 results: Seven points, with a best of eighth in Bahrain.
- Racing Bulls comparison: Former team outscored him 20 to 7 in the same period.
Laurent Mekies’ role in Tsunoda’s growth
Laurent Mekies’ arrival as team principal brought a technical focus to Red Bull. With prior experience at Racing Bulls, Mekies understands Tsunoda’s challenges and took accountability for strategic errors, like the Spa pit-stop. He works to optimize the RB21, despite part production constraints.
Red Bull, fourth in the constructors’ championship with 172 points (165 from Verstappen), plans upgrades for the Hungarian Grand Prix to boost both cars’ performance. Mekies aims to support Tsunoda in unlocking the RB21’s potential.
- Leadership shift: Mekies replaced Horner, emphasizing technical progress.
- Planned upgrades: Aerodynamic and suspension package for Hungary.
- Points pressure: Tsunoda must score regularly to secure his seat.
Historical struggles of Red Bull’s second driver
Red Bull has a history of challenges for the second driver alongside Verstappen. Since 2016, drivers like Gasly, Albon, and Pérez struggled to match the Dutchman’s pace. The RB21’s narrow performance window exacerbates this, favoring Verstappen’s style.
Tsunoda insists comparisons are unfair without equal equipment. “I’ve been here months; Max has nine years. I need the same car to show my potential,” he said. The 130-point gap reflects both Verstappen’s skill and Tsunoda’s equipment limitations.
- Past drivers: Gasly and Albon faced similar struggles.
- Technical demands: RB21 requires precise feedback, suiting Verstappen.
- Team expectations: Gaps over three-tenths per lap are unacceptable.
Tsunoda’s outlook for 2026
Tsunoda remains optimistic, backed by Mekies and Honda, which is negotiating opportunities for 2026, including a potential Aston Martin seat with Honda engines. With 24 races in 2025, Tsunoda has chances to shine, but faces competition from drivers like Isack Hadjar (21 points at Racing Bulls).
He focuses on consistency and technical feedback to secure his Red Bull seat or a competitive role elsewhere. The 2026 rule changes, demanding adaptability, will be pivotal for his career.
- Honda support: Talks for an Aston Martin move in 2026.
- Internal rivals: Hadjar and Lindblad are eyed for Red Bull seats.
- Personal goals: Consistency and technical input are priorities.
- 2026 rules: New regulations demand versatile drivers.
RB21 upgrades and performance hurdles
The RB21’s upgrades, like the Spa floor, improved pace but didn’t resolve all issues. Discrepancies between wind tunnel data and track performance persist, and part shortages prioritize Verstappen. A new aerodynamic and suspension package is set for Hungary to enhance stability.
For Tsunoda, these upgrades are critical to closing the gap to Verstappen. Helmut Marko confirmed ongoing efforts to address balance issues, but production limits remain a challenge.
- Upgrade package: Aerodynamics and suspension for Hungary.
- Balance issues: RB21 is sensitive to track changes.
- Parts limitation: Restricts upgrades for Tsunoda’s car.
Tsunoda’s legacy in Formula 1
Yuki Tsunoda is Japan’s most successful F1 driver, with 91 points in 87 races. His Red Bull stint, though challenging, showcases his resilience. Supported by Mekies and Honda, he aims to solidify his place in the sport, navigating the pressure of racing alongside Verstappen.
The 2025 season is crucial, with opportunities to prove his talent. RB21 upgrades and team support could drive better results, as Tsunoda prepares for the 2026 regulatory shift.
- Japanese record: Tsunoda surpassed Takuma Sato’s points tally.
- Fan appeal: His charisma makes him a paddock favorite.
- 2026 focus: Regulatory changes will shape his career path.