Latest news with #ChineseGrandPrix
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Yuki Tsunoda Reveals Surprise Text from Christian Horner Ahead of Belgian GP
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda has opened up on a message he received from the team's ousted CEO and team principal, Christian Horner. The message arrives amid Tsunoda's ongoing struggles with Red Bull's RB21 F1 car. The Japanese driver was promoted from the Red Bull junior F1 team Racing Bulls after the Chinese Grand Prix. Swapping seats with Liam Lawson, Tsunoda was placed alongside Max Verstappen to enhance the team's performance. However, with the RB21 reportedly suited to the four-time world champion, Tsunoda has been facing similar battles as his predecessors. The 2024 season saw Sergio Perez face similar challenges with the RB20, which was affected by balance problems, ultimately resulting in Red Bull losing out on the constructors' championship. The underwhelming performance eventually led to Perez's exit from the team. Red Bull parted ways with Horner after the British Grand Prix for reasons not yet known. He was replaced by Racing Bulls' former team principal, Laurent Mekies. Racing Bulls sporting director Alan Permane was promoted to team principal to replace Mekies. Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit... Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Christian Horner, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 18, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MoreTsunoda opened up about a motivational message from Horner ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. He said: "Yeah, I think not much to say. I appreciate how Christian supported me in previous races. And, yeah, I mean, also, I got a message from him actually yesterday that, you know, show what you can do and, you know, yeah, it was a nice message." Speaking on working with Mekies again, he added: "And with Laurent, yeah, I know him since VCARB and we've worked really well. We had a good start of the year in terms of performance. And, you know, we had a lot of trust between us. So, yeah, looking forward to work with him. And, yeah, Alan, I just met him and congrats as well. Messaged as well. But he's definitely motivated. And, yeah, I think, yeah, I'm excited to see how he's going to do as team principal." Addressing the RB21, Tsunoda explained that he had never seen any other driver adapt to the car quickly, but he remains confident about getting used to it. He said: "I didn't see yet so far the driver who probably got used to it in that car straight away. So that's probably the fact. But at the same time, I feel I'm in the right direction, at least on the short runs. Also in terms of the whole package, I know there's something to come as well into this year compared to Max. "So once I get the full package, I still have good confidence that I can be in a level that they want. That's what I'm working hard on. In terms of the long run is exactly the place that I'm still probably struggling at, but I'll find a way. I saw a couple of driving styles that I can try that I never tried in my career in Formula 1. It's just the learning stuff."
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Yuki Tsunoda Reveals Harsh Truth About Red Bull's RB21 F1 Car
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that it is taking longer for him to adapt to the RB21 F1 car than the VCARB 02 he drove at Racing Bulls previously. With the car reportedly designed around Max Verstappen, Tsunoda admitted that he hasn't seen any driver adapt to it quickly. Tsunoda was promoted to Red Bull after the Chinese Grand Prix in March, swapping places with Liam Lawson, who was demoted to Red Bull's junior F1 team, Racing Bulls. Lawson struggled significantly with the RB21, leading Red Bull to take drastic action after the first two races of the 2025 season. The 2024 season saw Sergio Perez face similar challenges with the RB20, given the balance problems that led to Red Bull losing the Constructors' Championship. Fortunately for Verstappen, the struggles were minimal, and his racing prowess led him to secure his fourth championship. Despite the challenge, the Japanese driver is optimistic that he will adapt to the RB21, even if it means taking up the remainder of the season. He said: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Richard Wood, Race Engineer of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at... Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Richard Wood, Race Engineer of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. More"I mean, I don't know. It depends on the driver, but also at the same time, I didn't see yet so far the driver who probably got used to it in that car straight away. So that's probably the fact. "But at the same time, I feel I'm in the right direction, at least on the short runs. Also in terms of the whole package, I know there's something to come as well into this year compared to Max. So once I get the full package, I still have good confidence that I can be in a level that they want. That's what I'm working hard on. "In terms of the long run is exactly the place that I'm still probably struggling at, but I'll find a way. I saw a couple of driving styles that I can try that I never tried in my career in Formula 1. It's just the learning stuff." Comparing the RB21 to the car he used to drive at Racing Bulls (then VCARB), Tsunoda said: "Is it true that in terms of confidence, when the condition changes every session, maybe I'm taking a little bit more time compared to where I used to have at VCARB where for example, I knew exactly how the car was going to drive in each set-up, I can go flat out from the first push. "But maybe in the Red Bull, I had to build up, which for me is the right approach. I don't think it's a wrong approach, but just takes a bit of time. I don't know if it's going to take a whole season or not, but at least it's positive that I'm going in the right direction."
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda Open up About First Race With New Red Bull Boss
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda have opened up about the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, their first race with new Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Laurent Mekies. Mekies, who led Red Bull's junior F1 team Racing Bulls, replaced Christian Horner after the British Grand Prix. Mekies is Red Bull's first team boss after Horner since the team's inception in 2005. While the reason for Horner's sudden ousting remains unknown, Mekies' promotion to Red Bull arrives at a time when the team has been experiencing ongoing struggles with its RB21 car. For the first time in the current ground effect era, beginning in 2022, Verstappen isn't leading the Drivers' Championship. Tsunoda was promoted from Racing Bulls after the Chinese Grand Prix, swapping places with Liam Lawson, who was demoted to the team. The Japanese driver has been struggling to adapt to the RB21, a challenge similar to the one that his predecessors, Lawson and Sergio Perez both experienced. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk on the fan forums stage prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing talk on the fan forums stage prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. MoreAdditionally, there are rumors of Verstappen's ongoing talks with Mercedes for a potential switch in 2026, which could concern Mekies. Speaking to about the upcoming race at Spa with Mekies, Verstappen said: "I was back at the factory last week to spend some time in the sim with the team. I'm looking forward to working closely with Laurent. "Spa is a classic and always my favourite track on the calendar, a very old school circuit where you have to do everything right to get a good lap. I enjoy the high-speed corners such as Eau Rouge, the layout which is different to other circuits and elevation changes that make the track more of a challenge to drive." Tsunoda's experience working with Mekies at Racing Bulls will help him bond again. He added: "We are coming into this race in a new era for the team and it will be good to link up again with Laurent. We worked really well together at... Racing Bulls. I know how he likes to work and our full focus is on pushing forward and for me personally to start delivering the performance we need. "Spa is a fun circuit and one that could suit us well. The Sprint always makes things tricky but the work and preparation we have done in this off time should set us up nicely. "I have spent the time off racing mixed between training very hard and using the break to mentally reset. I wanted to be the best prepared I could be coming into Spa and in better condition, mentally and physically. I am feeling strong and sharp and looking forward to these next two races before summer break."
San Francisco Chronicle
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
A timeline of Red Bull's F1 highs and lows with fired team principal Christian Horner
Christian Horner entered Formula 1 as its youngest team principal in 2005 and developed Red Bull from a 'party team' to a serial title winner. Following the announcement by Red Bull on Wednesday that Horner had been fired after 20 years, here's a look at his time in F1: ___ 1997 An aspiring driver at the level below F1, Horner founds junior team Arden with his father. Horner gives up his driving career a year later but continues running Arden, whose strong results with other drivers create a buzz. 2005 Ford wants to get out of F1 after five underwhelming years running a team under its Jaguar brand. Red Bull drinks company co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz leads a takeover and rebranding for 2005 and appoints Horner. He becomes F1's youngest team principal at 32. 2009 Red Bull sheds its reputation as a publicity-hungry 'party team' by taking its first F1 race win with Sebastian Vettel at the Chinese Grand Prix. The team has won 123 more races since then. 2010 Vettel wins the first of four drivers' championships in a row, getting the better of Ferrari and his own Red Bull teammate Mark Webber, in what becomes an increasingly bitter rivalry. 2016 Max Verstappen makes his debut for Red Bull after being promoted from its sister team Toro Rosso. The 18-year-old Dutch driver stuns F1 with victory in his first race for the team at the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming F1's youngest winner. 2019 The first season of 'Drive To Survive' airs on Netflix. It takes viewers behind the scenes of F1. Over the following years, it makes stars of executives like Horner and helps interest in F1 boom in the United States, in particular. Viewers get insights into his rivalry with Mercedes' Toto Wolff, and home life with his wife, singer Geri Halliwell. 2021 Horner is a key figure in one of the most dramatic and controversial title fights in history as Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to the championship. A disputed decision on the final lap of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix deepens the feud between Horner and Wolff. 2023 A season of record-breaking dominance sees Red Bull cars win all but one race all year. It's a third drivers' title for Verstappen and the sixth and most recent constructors' title for the team. 2024 Before the season begins, F1 is shaken by reports Horner is under investigation for alleged inappropriate conduct toward a team employee. He remains in his post as two investigations launched by Red Bull dismiss the claim. Verstappen wins his fourth drivers' title, although Red Bull no longer has the fastest car by the end of the year. 2025 Verstappen's future at Red Bull comes into question amid speculation he could leave for old rival Mercedes, while he struggles with an increasingly uncompetitive car and Red Bull tries to plan for a new era of F1 rules in 2026. Amid all this uncertainty, Horner is fired. ___
Winnipeg Free Press
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
A timeline of Red Bull's F1 highs and lows with fired team principal Christian Horner
Christian Horner entered Formula 1 as its youngest team principal in 2005 and developed Red Bull from a 'party team' to a serial title winner. Following the announcement by Red Bull on Wednesday that Horner had been fired after 20 years, here's a look at his time in F1: ___ 1997 An aspiring driver at the level below F1, Horner founds junior team Arden with his father. Horner gives up his driving career a year later but continues running Arden, whose strong results with other drivers create a buzz. 2005 Ford wants to get out of F1 after five underwhelming years running a team under its Jaguar brand. Red Bull drinks company co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz leads a takeover and rebranding for 2005 and appoints Horner. He becomes F1's youngest team principal at 32. 2009 Red Bull sheds its reputation as a publicity-hungry 'party team' by taking its first F1 race win with Sebastian Vettel at the Chinese Grand Prix. The team has won 123 more races since then. 2010 Vettel wins the first of four drivers' championships in a row, getting the better of Ferrari and his own Red Bull teammate Mark Webber, in what becomes an increasingly bitter rivalry. 2016 Max Verstappen makes his debut for Red Bull after being promoted from its sister team Toro Rosso. The 18-year-old Dutch driver stuns F1 with victory in his first race for the team at the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming F1's youngest winner. 2019 The first season of 'Drive To Survive' airs on Netflix. It takes viewers behind the scenes of F1. Over the following years, it makes stars of executives like Horner and helps interest in F1 boom in the United States, in particular. Viewers get insights into his rivalry with Mercedes' Toto Wolff, and home life with his wife, singer Geri Halliwell. 2021 Horner is a key figure in one of the most dramatic and controversial title fights in history as Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to the championship. A disputed decision on the final lap of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix deepens the feud between Horner and Wolff. 2023 A season of record-breaking dominance sees Red Bull cars win all but one race all year. It's a third drivers' title for Verstappen and the sixth and most recent constructors' title for the team. 2024 Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Before the season begins, F1 is shaken by reports Horner is under investigation for alleged inappropriate conduct toward a team employee. He remains in his post as two investigations launched by Red Bull dismiss the claim. Verstappen wins his fourth drivers' title, although Red Bull no longer has the fastest car by the end of the year. 2025 Verstappen's future at Red Bull comes into question amid speculation he could leave for old rival Mercedes, while he struggles with an increasingly uncompetitive car and Red Bull tries to plan for a new era of F1 rules in 2026. Amid all this uncertainty, Horner is fired. ___ AP auto racing:
