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Understanding the challenge
Yuki Tsunoda, the rising star of Red Bull Racing, is on a determined mission to close the experience gap between himself and his teammate, the formidable Max Verstappen. The young Japanese driver recognizes that the RB21, Red Bull’s latest car, presents unique challenges, especially for those without extensive prior experience. Tsunoda candidly admitted, “I’m quite happy with my confidence level considering we’re only two races in, but I’m trying to understand how this car operates.” His honesty reflects the reality many young drivers face when stepping into the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
Building confidence through experience
For Tsunoda, the journey is about more than just speed; it’s about understanding the nuances of the car and how it behaves on different tracks. “It comes down to the experience really,” he explained. “This car behaves quite differently at each track so it’s hard to predict.” Verstappen, with his wealth of experience, has a significant advantage in this regard. Tsunoda is aware that he cannot simply match Verstappen’s pace immediately; instead, he is focused on building a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. “I know that I can’t beat him straight away, so I’m just trying to build a good baseline,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of patience in his development.
Learning from the best
As Tsunoda continues to adapt to the demands of Formula 1, he acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead. “I’m not fully relaxing driving this car – I’m still rushing and not fully in control yet,” he admitted. This self-awareness is crucial for a driver looking to improve. He has observed how Verstappen builds his confidence throughout the race week, noting that their approaches are vastly different. “He can feel more than I can in the car and he has so much confidence in it,” Tsunoda remarked, highlighting the gap in their experience levels.
Despite the challenges, Tsunoda remains optimistic about his potential to compete with Verstappen. “When I unlock that area, I would probably be able to beat him,” he said, showcasing his determination and belief in his abilities. As he continues to learn and grow, fans of Formula 1 are eager to see how this young driver will evolve and whether he can eventually match the prowess of one of the sport’s greatest talents.