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Yuki Tsunoda’s sudden leap to Red Bull Racing has become one of Formula 1’s most gripping storylines this season—and team principal Christian Horner is finally weighing in. Thrust into the spotlight ahead of his home Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda replaced rookie Liam Lawson after just two races with Racing Bulls, stepping into a seat alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Despite immense pressure, the 24-year-old has drawn unexpected praise from Horner, who lauded his composure during practice sessions. But how did Tsunoda handle the steepest challenge of his career?
Christian Horner opens up on Yuki Tsunoda’s high-stakes transition
Promoted abruptly to Red Bull, Tsunoda faced relentless scrutiny at Suzuka, a circuit where emotions run high for any driver. Yet Horner highlighted the Japanese star’s maturity, noting he “adapted well” to the RB21 car despite limited preparation.
“He’s got up to speed quickly,” Horner told Sky Sports, emphasizing Yuki Tsunoda’s sharp feedback and calm demeanor under fire.
Interestingly, the rookie likened Red Bull’s machinery to his former Racing Bulls chassis, calling it “sharper in the front but familiar overall”—a nod to the team’s cohesive design philosophy.
Horner also hinted at Tsunoda’s potential role in car development, a rarity for newcomers.
“His experience could help us refine minutiae in these regulations,” he said, suggesting the driver’s five-year F1 tenure might aid Red Bull’s pursuit of marginal gains.
However, the weekend wasn’t without hurdles. While Verstappen clinched pole, Tsunoda stumbled in qualifying, landing 15th on the grid—a stark reminder of the gap between expectation and reality.
Beyond the stopwatch: Tsunoda’s unseen impact
Horner reserved equal praise for Yuki Tsunoda’s off-track demeanor, calling him a “natural character” who injects humor and energy into team meetings. “He doesn’t try to be funny—he just is,” Horner quipped, underscoring the driver’s intangible value. Still, questions linger: Can Tsunoda evolve into a consistent force alongside Verstappen? Or will he join the list of talents overshadowed by the Dutch phenom?
For now, Horner remains cautiously optimistic. “He’s ready for this step,” he asserted, though Tsunoda’s mixed debut signals a road ahead filled with both promise and growing pains.
