Yuki Tsunoda was eliminated in Q2 and will start fourteenth in tomorrow’s race, thanks to Carlos Sainz’s penalty.
Yuki Tsunoda did not go beyond fourteenth place in the qualifying session for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Japanese driver was unable to improve in his second attempt during the second session, finishing behind Lawson but still able to gain a position due to the penalty imposed on Carlos Sainz. There is some disappointment for Yuki, as he had shown good pace and form in Q1, but the learning process has only just begun.
At the end of the session, Tsunoda analyzed his qualifying performance. These are Yuki’s words: “There’s some frustration. I think the warm-up didn’t go as I wanted for the final attempt, which was very chaotic, especially in the first sector. I’m still learning, and I think the warm-up was still good, even though it would have penalized us a bit, but it went wrong. I thought I could improve from Q1, but that didn’t happen. At least my confidence with the car has increased, I just couldn’t put everything together, and that’s a shame.”
The Japanese driver then added: “At least I’m starting to understand the car; FP1 and FP2 went well, and even qualifying was fine, it was just the last lap, because the car is very sensitive with the tires. I believe there was potential for Q3, but I couldn’t capitalize on it. My goal is to enjoy the situation, the car, the team, being here in Suzuka, and I feel calmer than usual, but also responsible for my performance. It’s my home race, and I’ll stay focused to do my best, although a bit of rain might help me.”
Photo: X Oracle Red Bull Racing
