Tsunoda not a match for Verstappen: Horner knows why

Between the Saudi Arabian and the Miami Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda had no time to rest. The Japanese driver participated in a TPC test with Red Bull Racing to become more acquainted with the team he has now raced for in three events.

At the Silverstone circuit, the Austrian team's old car could not complete the entire program due to the partially wet conditions. Yet, team principal Christian Horner saw value in the test. “It was just an opportunity for Yuki to spend a bit more time with the engineering staff."

“His mileage had been very limited with Red Bull Racing. So doing a TPC with a couple-of-years-old car gave him the opportunity to get more familiar with the engineering team and procedures at Red Bull. The British weather intervened – there was rain in the morning – but he managed to get a few laps in. So it was useful,” said the British team principal.

For the time being, Tsunoda has also not managed to match the speed of teammate Max Verstappen. According to Horner, it's difficult to pinpoint one specific aspect where Tsunoda differs. "It’s difficult to pinpoint any one particular area. Like all these things, it’s always little bits across a lap."

"He’s finding his feet, he’s brought a decent amount of experience, and he’s giving good feedback. I have to say, he’s brought a really positive energy into the team – he’s quite a character – and he’s certainly rapid. I think as he finds confidence, we’ll see him move further up the grid," Horner believed.