Yuki Tsunoda identifies the front axle as the current weak point of the Racing Bulls car and hopes that the car can regularly make it into Q3
Yuki Tsunoda is optimistic ahead of the first Formula 1 race of the year that Racing Bulls will be consistently in Q2 and could even make it into Q3. In the first practice session on Thursday in Bahrain, the two drivers even finished first and fourth, but Daniel Ricciardo and Tsunoda dropped back to twelfth and 15th in the second session
“It’s obviously not a top three car, but at the same time we’re hopeful that we’re not one of the two worst cars,” says the Japanese driver. “But we’re not expecting too much because the car is not particularly different.”
This is because the VCARB 01 is basically just a further development of the AlphaTauri car, which was upgraded again at the last race in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
“But so far, there don’t seem to be any major limitations with the car, not even in terms of balance,” he says. “So it’s not a car that is fighting for last place, but hopefully for eighth or seventh place.”
The Japanese driver’s current weakness is the front axle, which he believes is still lacking in performance. “In general, however, it is a little more consistent. The car feels more predictable and the rear axle has also become stronger – even if we know that it’s still not enough. “
“Especially in terms of efficiency, we still have a little too much drag compared to other cars,” says Tsunoda. “We need to improve that too.”
However, he also emphasizes: “Daniel and I are on the same wavelength in terms of what we need to improve. We sat down with the whole team for a long time to make sure we are on the same page. The team works pretty well.” And the new arrivals in particular should fit in even better with the team in the future.
But what is the performance of the new RB car good enough for? Consistent places in Q2 and Q3? “I’m pretty sure about Q2,” he emphasizes. “But Q3 is difficult to say at the moment. At least the balance doesn’t feel too bad. “
