Tsunoda can change Crimson Bull’s thoughts, says RB F1 group boss

Yuki Tsunoda has what it takes to wipe away Crimson Bull’s scepticism about selling him to its essential squad, says his present group boss.

The Japanese has been handed a primary ever take a look at in a Crimson Bull automobile after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at a time when the outfit is pondering who to have alongside Max Verstappen in 2025.

Whereas Sergio Perez has a deal in place, performance-related clauses imply he could possibly be dropped, with both of sister group RB’s line-up of Tsunoda or Liam Lawson then favorite to exchange him.

Tsunoda has essentially the most expertise out of the pair, however Crimson Bull has lengthy been uncertain about whether or not or not he has the correct degree of consistency, psychological energy and technical suggestions to justify the seat alongside Verstappen.

However RB group principal Laurent Mekies says that there could possibly be scope for a change of coronary heart at Crimson Bull if he retains performing.

“The steps he has been doing this yr have been, I feel, a shock to everybody,” mentioned Mekies. “And hopefully the shock has additionally been for Crimson Bull Racing.

“I feel we’re in a enterprise the place all people appears on the outcomes, and the second a driver begins to carry out or to outperform in comparison with the expectations, then all people will then change their opinions very, very quick.

“I feel for Yuki, it is all about persevering with to carry out at a mega excessive degree on the monitor. And we’re all very fast to alter our thoughts as quickly as we see a man performing.”

Tsunoda is coming off the again of two spectacular qualifying performances, with third place on the grid in Brazil and seventh in Las Vegas.

Mekies thinks these outcomes are proof that Tsunoda has maximised the alternatives handed to him all through a season the place RB has not at all times been sturdy.

“After I see Yuki once more, acting at that degree like he did in the previous few races, I feel it was all collectively, an excellent season from his facet,” he mentioned.

“I feel he has made a step this season that no person might forecast and it is one thing he ought to be happy with.”

Requested about what he anticipated Tsunoda to do within the Crimson Bull take a look at, and whether or not or not he felt he was prepared for a step up, Mekies added: “I feel a man at that degree, that has been scoring the quantity of factors he scored this yr, a man that has put the automobile in P7 or in P3 within the final two races, qualifying, after all, I feel he is able to get a sooner automobile.

“We hope to offer him with this sooner automobile. However after all, I feel he is prepared for a sooner automobile and a sooner group or a much bigger group.

“As for the take a look at he’ll do with them, I feel it is essential for our drivers to get an opportunity into the larger group, into our brother group.

“It is one in every of our key DNA facets for this group, to have the ability to develop our drivers and to make them engaging sufficient in order that Crimson Bull Racing wish to have them.

“We’re very glad that he has this take a look at and I am assured he’ll carry out properly.”