Latest news with #RB20
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
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull Insider Hints Sergio Perez F1 Return in 2026
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. Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has suggested that Sergio Perez will return to Formula One in 2026, revealing that there was "something going on." Perez parted ways with Red Bull after the 2024 season and is reported to be in talks with the Cadillac F1 team. Red Bull parted ways with the Mexican driver after losing out on Constructors' Championship victory last year. Perez faced significant challenges with the RB20, given the balance problems on the car, which also affected Max Verstappen. Perez has been away from F1 since his departure, but his links to Cadillac are pretty strong. The 35-year-old driver revealed in a recent interview that he would return to F1 only if a project suited his preferences, and most importantly, he would only return as a full-time driver. Cadillac F1 received the Formula One Management's (FOM) approval to join the sport early this year, and the American outfit has since been gearing up for its 2026 debut on the premier class grid. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has confirmed that ongoing discussions are taking place with Perez. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the paddock during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, 2024 in Lusail City, Hadjar, who races for the Red Bull junior F1 team, has admitted that many "positives" lie ahead for Perez in 2026. Speaking to the media, he said: "He's definitely F1 calibre, that's for sure, and I hear a lot of positives for him next year. "So it's looking like there's something going on. He's done pretty well next to Max [Verstappen]." Former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who moved to Sauber this year as team principal, has praised Perez while highlighting his support during their time at Red Bull. Wheatley stated that Perez was fully focused on his performance, a trait that mattered most to a team. Newsweek Sports reported: "Firstly, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He's a great personality, great attitude to life, full stop. I have no doubt about his pace and his speed. It's been natural since the beginning. "He put in some tremendous drives at my former team and I don't think it's much of a barrier that he's had a bit of time off between driving a Formula 1 car because when you know how to do that, you know how to do it. "I spent a lot of time with him early on because I wanted to get to know him and I wanted him to adjust to the team. What I really liked was he pushed me in my sporting role – pushed me very, very hard. "He made me question whether I was putting every bit of effort in, not that he was criticising but he would challenge you in a positive way and I enjoyed it. "I think it helped motivate me to become better at my job and I'd like to think maybe it was reciprocal and the work that we did together made him better at his." He added: "He's fully focused on performance and what do you want from a driver?"
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Red Bull to Part Ways With Yuki Tsunoda After 2025 Season: Report
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. The Red Bull Racing Formula One team will part ways with Yuki Tsunoda after the 2025 season. A report by GPBlog suggests that Red Bull will not extend Tsunoda's contract, which is said to expire at the end of the current year. The Japanese driver was promoted from Red Bull's junior F1 team, Racing Bulls, after the first two rounds of the 2025 season. Red Bull assessed Liam Lawson's performance in the first two rounds before demoting him to Racing Bulls. The report about Tsunoda's ousting arrives amid rumors of Max Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes, which gained traction after George Russell admitted that his contract extension discussions were on hold due to Mercedes' ongoing talks with the four-time world champion. Tsunoda's performance at Red Bull has considerably dropped, given that the RB21 F1 car is reportedly suited to Verstappen. He has been able to score ten points thus far as opposed to the Dutch driver's tally of 165 points. Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 5, 2025 in Northampton, United also struggled with Red Bull's title challenger in the first two Grands Prix. Not to forget Sergio Perez, who faced major challenges while piloting the RB20 last year, which eventually led to his exit after the 2024 season. Will Tsunoda endure a similar fate? The report affirms that Red Bull's experiment with Tsunoda is set to end after the current season. Furthermore, there remains a possibility of him moving to Aston Martin in 2026 due to Honda's influence, given that the Japanese engine supplier will partner with the Silverstone outfit from next year. However, the chances of him joining as a reserve driver are higher due to the lack of an available seat, but Tsunoda is less likely to accept a role that keeps him on the sidelines. Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was ousted by Red Bull last week, and Sky Sports F1's Karun Chandhok believes Horner led a one-car team so far, handing excessive power to Verstappen, while the other drivers struggled for performance. Chandhok believes this contributed significantly to Horner's exit. He said: "I think in some of what's happened, if you look at it in recent years, it's become a one-car team, right? We've talked about how since Daniel Ricciardo left, the way the car design has gone, the way the team has been structured, it's very much all the eggs in the Max Verstappen camp and in that basket. "And ultimately that's kind of created his downfall. It's put a disproportionate amount of power into 'Team Verstappen' to the point of which where, if you're the wider Red Bull group, you look at it and go, 'hang on a second, yes Max is on pole of the British Grand Prix, yes he's won two races this year, but the other cars nowhere.'"
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Sergio Pérez Drops Bombshell About Red Bull F1 Team – 'They Regret It'
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. Former Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Sergio Pérez has made a revelation, stating that Red Bull "regrets" the decision to part ways with him after the 2024 season. He also opened up on the real reason for the team's drop in performance following a period of historical dominance. Red Bull enjoyed a period of superiority since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022, thanks to the aerodynamic expertise of the team's former chief technical officer, Adrian Newey. 2023 saw the outfit perform at its peak, winning 21 races of the 22 on the F1 calendar. However, Newey's exit announcement months after the start of the 2024 season amid Red Bull's internal turmoil is what caused the team to fall apart, according to Pérez. Though Max Verstappen's performance allowed him to win his fourth championship at the 2024 round in Las Vegas, Pérez's ongoing struggles with the RB20 F1 car contributed to Red Bull securing third in the overall championship standings. Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing answers questions in the TV media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 7, 2024... Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing answers questions in the TV media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 7, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. MorePérez's performance slump was highlighted mid-season, courtesy of balance problems on the RB20, which caused a lapse of confidence in the Mexican driver. Red Bull only acknowledged the problem once Verstappen exposed it after the summer break amid McLaren's resurgence. After the 2024 season, the Milton Keynes-based team decided to part ways with Pérez, replacing him with Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson. However, the Kiwi driver failed to impress Red Bull after the first two Grands Prix of 2025, resulting in his demotion back to Racing Bulls. Instead, Red Bull promoted Yuki Tsunoda to the seat alongside Verstappen. Tsunoda, who scored several points for Racing Bulls, found Red Bull's RB21 F1 car a much tougher challenge, struggling to finish even in the top ten. Among the three drivers Red Bull had in the car, apart from Verstappen, Pérez was the most well-suited. Speaking on the Desde El Paddock podcast, Pérez was asked if he thought Red Bull owed him an apology for his exit. He answered: "No. They made certain decisions because of the immense pressure—pressure that they themselves helped create. "But I know, deep down, they regret it. And I know that from a very reliable source. "Still, what can you do? You move on. It's tough. I have very good friends there, and people might think I take pleasure in what happened - but no." Newey was the mastermind behind the design of Red Bull's F1 car, but since his departure to Aston Martin as the team's new managing technical partner and shareholder, Red Bull has struggled to keep the car in its optimal performance window. Pérez believes the problems began after Newey announced his exit last year. He added: "We had a great team. In the end, it slowly fell apart, but we really did have something special, during one of the most competitive eras in F1. "We didn't dominate an era like Mercedes, where they had a massive engine advantage. In our case, the performance gap was minimal, and we still built a powerhouse. "When Adrian left - that's when the problems really started."
