'Root cause of Tsunoda's struggle lie at Red Bull Racing's doorstep'

16:51, 14 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Peter Bayer admits Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles in 2025 have caught him off guard, despite the Japanese driver entering the season in peak physical and mental condition.

“Yes, I would lie [if I said I wasn’t surprised],” Bayer told Planet F1.

“I’ve seen him, the potential, his performances, and his mindset. I’ve seen his physical preparation. I saw a Yuki as strong as I’ve never seen him before.

"But everything else, honestly, I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to Yuki about why it is [so difficult].”

Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen as teammates of Red Bull Racing

'Tsunoda's woes a result of the unforgiving Red Bull car'

Bayer suggests the issue lies less with Tsunoda’s form and more with the machinery.

“I think it’s probably just a very difficult car to drive. Ours is much more forgiving, wider window, but it’s not as fast. That’s the difference,” he explained.

The Japanese driver has struggled to match his 2024 form, when he was a consistent points finisher.

This season, he surprised with strong qualifying performances in the first round in Australia, but after China, having been promoted to Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen's teammate for the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda's form seems to have dissapeared.

The RB21 appears to punish even the smallest mistakes, making consistency harder to achieve.

Whilst Bayer openly acknowledges the challenge, he still believes Tsunoda can turn it around. “I think he just needs time," the Austrian concluded.