Yuki Tsunoda reckons he "impressed" Red Bull with his technical feedback in his recent Formula 1 test for the team – knowing it is an area the squad has doubted him on.
The Japanese was handed his first proper run in a Red Bull car at the recent post-season Abu Dhabi tyre test, at a time when the Milton Keynes-based outfit is deciding what to do with its driver line-up for 2025.
But while Tsunoda is an obvious candidate for a step up from RB if Sergio Perez is dropped for next year, it is understood that the team’s scepticism about his technical feedback and behaviour in the car has always counted against him.
Reflecting on his day’s running at the Yas Marina circuit, Tsunoda feels that he finally managed to quell some of those concerns about him – which could help boost his chances of a promotion.
It is understood that Red Bull will make an announcement about its driver plans later this week, although his team-mate Liam Lawson remains the favourite to get moved up if Perez is axed.
Speaking at the Honda Racing season finale event, Tsunoda said: “I heard a lot about how impressed they were, particularly with my feedback.
“This came not only from the trackside engineers but also from the engineers supporting remotely from Red Bull’s factory in Milton Keynes. They mentioned how impressed they were with my input.
“That area was a key target for me. I believe Red Bull already understands that my speed isn’t much of an issue. Instead, what they’re more focused on is things like my feedback, my behaviour within the team, and how I conduct myself in the car. They probably saw those areas as the biggest unknowns.
“So while keeping that in mind, I continued to provide feedback as I always have, aiming to communicate as thoroughly and with as much detail as possible.”
While Tsunoda found some differences in Red Bull's approach compared to the RB team that he has raced for, he said the biggest contrast was the depth of technical explanation that he was asked to provide.
“Even though the two teams are quite different, there are some similarities, particularly in the positive atmosphere,” he said.
“Our team feels very Italian – friendly with lots of physical gestures and interactions. Meanwhile, Red Bull also has a very energetic vibe, almost like being in a pub.
“If I were to give one example regarding the engineering process, Red Bull digs deeper into every comment I make. They don’t miss anything I mention, asking very detailed follow-up questions to explore even more specifics.
“While they have this energetic image when it comes to engineering and the car, they’re incredibly thorough and detail-oriented. In a way, I think this precision aligns with the attention to detail often associated with Japanese people.
“I also felt a strong energy where everyone freely shares and exchanges comments without hesitation. That’s not to say our team doesn’t have that, but I think it’s an area where the two teams differ slightly.”
Tsunoda admits he is not the favourite for the Red Bull seat, but says it would be a dream for him if it could happen.
He added: “I think the chances are 50-50. Of course, I’d be happiest if I could drive for Red Bull, but I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’m receiving from everyone in this current situation.
“Regardless of which team I’m with, what I need to do remains the same. It’s not just about Red Bull. For all we know, VCARB might surpass them in development. It’s not like it absolutely has to be Red Bull.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just want to perform well and score points. Standing on the podium at Suzuka would be the ultimate dream. But, to achieve that, I want to help build a better car and a better team someday.
“Until that time comes, I hope everyone can be patient.”
