Image Credentials: Image Title: Yuki Tsunoda Opens Up About Challenges Adapting to Red Bull’s RB21 Formula 1 Car Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: July 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt); it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle Motorsport Staff with Agencies
Yuki Tsunoda has delivered a candid assessment of his early struggles with Red Bull Racing’s RB21 Formula 1 car, shedding light on the challenges of transitioning from Racing Bulls (formerly VCARB) to one of the most technically demanding seats in the sport.
Promoted to the senior Red Bull team after the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix in March, Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson, who was demoted back to Racing Bulls after two disappointing performances in the RB21. Tsunoda’s comments suggest that the car’s design philosophy, centered almost entirely around the driving style of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, is proving difficult for others to master.
“No One Adapts Instantly”
In an honest reflection, Tsunoda 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.” The Japanese driver emphasized that while he is making progress, the learning curve is steep, especially when it comes to longer race runs.
Tsunoda acknowledged that the RB21 requires a completely different approach compared to the VCARB 02, the car he was far more comfortable. “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 I knew exactly how the car was going to drive in each setup. I could go flat out from the first push.”
With the RB21, however, he says he has to “build up,” a process he considers the right approach even if it takes 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.”
A Pattern of Struggle
Tsunoda is not alone in finding the RB21, and its 2024 predecessor, the RB20, difficult to handle. Sergio Pérez faced similar issues last season, which contributed to Red Bull losing the Constructors’ Championship despite Verstappen dominating the Drivers’ standings and securing his fourth world title.
Lawson’s brief stint in the RB21 highlighted just how unforgiving the car can be to those not molded for its unique handling characteristics, prompting Red Bull to act quickly in reshuffling their driver lineup.
Eyes on Development
Tsunoda remains optimistic that future upgrades and more seat time will eventually bring him closer to Verstappen’s level of performance. He hinted at changes yet to come to the RB21 that may help close the gap: “Once I get the full package, I still have good confidence that I can be at a level that they want.”
He also suggested experimenting with new driving techniques he’s never tried before, indicating a willingness to evolve in pursuit of results: “It’s just the learning stuff.”
The Verstappen Factor
Red Bull’s reliance on Verstappen’s driving style to shape its cars continues to define its engineering approach. While that has paid off spectacularly in terms of individual glory, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of a car that appears to only suit one man.
As Tsunoda continues his adaptation, his progress, or lack of it, will be a crucial test of Red Bull’s ability to field two competitive cars, not just one.
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