Big disappointment for Yuki Tsunoda: the Japanese driver finished 18th in qualifying in Austria.
He appeared downcast, almost “sportingly depressed” as Carlo Vanzini described him during the live broadcast. Tsunoda was once again knocked out in Q1 — a result that stings even more when compared to Max Verstappen’s performance.
This also marks the worst-ever qualifying result for a Red Bull-owned team at their home Grand Prix: never before had a Milton Keynes car qualified this poorly at Spielberg.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Words
Speaking to Sky, Tsunoda said: “If we look at the gap, it actually wasn’t that big. And throughout the weekend so far, I’ve felt good in the car. The pace was there and we had the speed to be in the mix. Unfortunately, when it really mattered — on the final lap — I just didn’t have that decisive feeling, that connection you need to make the difference at the right moment.
I needed at least to make it into Q2, and I didn’t. It’s a real shame, because up to that point the performance had been solid. I’m very frustrated not to have converted all the work we did — at least to get through to Q2 and show our real potential.”
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing