Yuki Tsunoda Suffers Q1 Exit But Gets Closer to Max Verstappen's Pace

Newsweek

16 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda faced a major setback during the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying by being knocked out in Q1. Despite the P16 start tomorrow, Tsunoda remains positive about his pace from the practice sessions, offering him some hope for the race.
The qualifying result is a stark contrast to Tsunoda's best time from the Belgian GP qualifying last weekend, where he was through to Q3, securing a P7 start, his best with Red Bull thus far.
At the Hungaroring, the Japanese driver was eliminated despite being 0.163 seconds slower than Verstappen. The four-time world champion will start in P8. Notably, he complained about the lack of grip on his car, which compromised his pace. Tsunoda reckons a setup change ahead of FP3 made matters worse for him. When asked about the problem on his RB21, he told the media:
"If we knew there was a problem, probably we would not struggle that much. We don't know yet."
Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing answers questions in the TV media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 2, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.
Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing answers questions in the TV media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 2, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.When asked how difficult it was to drive the car in qualifying, Tsunoda pointed out the lack of grip, but seemed happy about being closer to Verstappen's pace during the weekend thus far. He said:
"I don't know. The car balance itself is not that bad. But just the grip level that the car is providing is very, very low. It's not the level that we normally feel. Throughout the week, I think there was a positive from our side of the garage that we are consistently closer to Max. Some sessions we were ahead. So, something to take a positive, but at the same time, it is not easy for our team."
He also confirmed that his qualifying pace was no better than his pace in the first two practice sessions. He said:
"Not really. I don't think we were able to fix the major issue. To be honest, something we changed to in FP3. We were able to make a little bit of a back step with our side of the garage. Some bit of issue that we think we can avoid. It was fully in our control.
"That's something that we shouldn't happen. We definitely have to improve for the future. Because that kind of made ourselves a bit clouded idea: What kind of car are we getting for qualifying? Which is a bit frustrating."
Despite the qualifying setback, when asked about his feelings of being closer to Verstappen, the 25-year-old driver said:
"Yeah, I think definitely. Obviously, Max is Max. But at the same time, yeah. Definitely positive, like I said. I was very close to Max throughout the week. Some sessions I had. And I noticed some peaks come from my side of the car. So, I think, obviously frustrating that missing Q1. But also, he was almost out as well. So, something that I can be proud of."
With rain anticipated tomorrow, Tsunoda admitted that it could play to his advantage during the Grand Prix. He said:
"With that position, maybe that would help. That would be better. Like the start condition. Something that we can make it turn around. That would help probably, but you never know."