Max Verstappen grabbed pole position for the Italian GP this weekend, while his Red Bull Racing teammate Yuki Tsunoda had to settle for P10 in qualifying.
When asked about Verstappen’s comments on the frustrations of driving the RB21, Tsunoda offered a candid take on his own experience.
“I mean, frustration, but to be honest, you know, we have a different flow this weekend,” Tsunoda told GPBlog.
The Japanese driver faced some challenging circumstances during qualifying that affected his performance.
“I had to lead the pack in Q3, which we knew since FP2 is actually crucial here,” he explained. “[The tow] is quite big, which I experienced also in FP3, and being at the back here traditionally is bad, which I clearly felt it in the last push.”
Despite not matching his teammate’s pace, Tsunoda remained positive about making it into the final qualifying session.
“Even though the cut was pretty good, I mean, easily 3 turns, 4 turns, it’s there, but you know, it is what it is. Still overall happy with the performance and being in Q3 was the most important thing.”
## “The car is not fast”
Tsunoda didn’t mince words when discussing the current state of their car.
“We’re pushing. You know, the car is probably not fast, but still we are trying to make progress, upgrade with upgrades as much as possible,” he admitted.
The young driver seems to be keeping perspective, though.
“Compared to the situation I had before Spa, I can easily accept it and yeah just able to still focus on what I’ve got.”
When it comes to the team’s recent upgrades to the RB21, Tsunoda doesn’t see them as game-changers.
“The upgrade difference, I don’t know how much. I would say it’s not massive. I would say a couple of details, but you know, details always make a difference with this kind of type pack,” he explained.
“For me, being in Q3 was a target anyway, so it was good.”
