Tsunoda Admits RB21 Struggles, Aims for Strong Monza Performance

Tsunoda finds his groove, scores first points since May

Yuki Tsunoda finally broke his points drought at Zandvoort last weekend, finishing ninth for his first top-10 result since the Imola GP back in May.

The Japanese driver capitalized on several key retirements, including Norris and Hamilton, to grab two valuable points that have given the team a much-needed morale boost.

“I think I have progressed since day one being in this car,” Tsunoda told GPblog ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

He’s feeling much more comfortable in the RB21 now.

“The first few races maybe it didn’t seem to be a result, but at least in how I felt I was fully convinced I was in the right direction just step by step.”

Jumping into a new car mid-season is never easy, especially with all the changes happening within the Red Bull team. But Tsunoda’s been giving it his all every race weekend.

“I think I knew that, especially since last few races it’s getting closer and closer. So it’s all about matters that putting all together.”

The field is incredibly tight this season, with every millisecond making a huge difference in qualifying.

“It was a race that I think I was able to put it all together,” he said. “I think it was one of the best weekends I had in terms of progress. It was not easy at all, with the safety cars and everything, but I was able to squeeze the points.”

## Looking ahead to Monza

Tsunoda’s heading to Monza with renewed confidence, despite having terrible luck at the Italian track in recent years.

“I’m resetting every year. Although three, out of four (races), I had a DNF with a lot of troubles. So I hope I don’t have that this year.”

Despite his past struggles, he’s still excited about racing at the Temple of Speed.

“I still enjoy a lot of this track. Very challenging track in terms of confidence. When you have confidence you’re going to have a quick lap and also for the race as well, it’s quite a raceable track compared to others. I’m still looking forward to it.”

The 24-year-old knows he needs to keep impressing new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies.

“That’s what I’m trying to do every race. You always need results as much as possible. I try to exceed expectations and just keep doing what I’m doing.”

Since Mekies joined the team, Tsunoda’s performances have actually been pretty solid.

“I don’t think I have to change much. Since Laurent joined, actually, my results haven’t been too bad. Obviously, whether it’s enough or not, that’s not for me to decide. But I just keep pushing.”