Yuki Tsunoda’s performance at the Italian Grand Prix left Red Bull frustrated as the Japanese driver’s race was derailed by midfield traffic and damage to his car. Despite strong qualifying results, Tsunoda’s chances to showcase his race pace were limited due to chaotic on-track conditions. Red Bull’s team principal, Laurent Mekies, emphasized the need for “clean samples” to better judge Tsunoda’s true performance.
Strong Qualifying, But No Race Pace
Tsunoda’s race weekend started strong, with the 25-year-old advancing to Q3, closely matching teammate Max Verstappen’s pace. Tsunoda was within two-tenths of Verstappen in both Q1 and Q2. However, during Q3, he failed to string together an optimal lap, leaving him 10th on the grid. Mekies pointed out that Tsunoda’s qualifying performance was solid, but the race was another missed opportunity.
“Tsunoda’s first stint was in heavy traffic, and the second stint saw him struggling with car damage,” Mekies said. “It’s difficult to draw any conclusions from a race like that. The races at the front offer clean stints that help assess true performance. Today’s race did not provide that.”
Red Bull’s Patience and Focus on Race Pace
Tsunoda was caught up in the midfield battle during the race, which left him unable to find clean air. This hindered his ability to perform optimally, with Mekies noting that race pace remains a major concern for Tsunoda.
“It’s clear we need more clean samples. Today wasn’t one of them,” Mekies continued. “If we look at Tsunoda’s race, it was hard to judge anything because of the traffic and damage. His qualifying was solid, but the race remains difficult to evaluate.”
Red Bull continues to give Tsunoda time to improve, especially on his race pace. Mekies revealed that the team would wait until the end of October to finalize driver line-ups for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2026 season.
“The focus is on both qualifying and race pace. We need to see more consistent performance from Yuki, especially in the long-run,” Mekies said.
While Tsunoda’s qualifying efforts were commendable, securing Q3 and showing a solid performance in Q1 and Q2, the team is still evaluating his race pace. Mekies confirmed that Tsunoda’s next steps will be crucial for his future with Red Bull.
The Clock is Ticking for Tsunoda
As Red Bull prepares for the 2026 season, Tsunoda must showcase both improved qualifying and race performances to secure his position within the team. With a growing focus on junior drivers, including Hadjar and Lindblad, the clock is ticking for Tsunoda to prove himself.
In conclusion, Red Bull’s patience with Tsunoda will depend on his ability to put together consistent performances both in qualifying and races, as Mekies underlined the importance of “clean samples” to properly assess the driver’s potential for the future.
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