Tsunoda concedes RB21 admission as he eyes positive Monza result

20:40, 04 Sep

Updated: 22:56, 04 Sep

byTobia Elia

Yuki Tsunoda believes he has made progress with the RB21’s feel at Zandvoort and is ready to aim for a good result at Monza.

A week ago in the Netherlands, Yuki Tsunoda managed to finish a race in the points for the first time since last May at the Imola GP.

The Japanese driver ended the race in ninth place, benefiting from several retirements ahead of him, including Norris and Hamilton, and secured two valuable points that boost morale ahead of the season finale.

Yuki Tsunoda

Tsunoda feels more at ease with RB21

The Japanese driver appeared more comfortable with the car at Zandvoort, as he confirmed to GPblog in his remarks on the eve of the Italian GP: ''I think I have progressed since day one being in this car. The first few races maybe it didn't seem to be a result, but at least in how I felt I was fully convinced I was in the right direction just step by step.''

''To jump in the middle of the season is not easy, a lot of things changed also within the Red Bull team as well. I just I gave my own all efforts every races. I think I knew that, especially since last few races it's getting closer and closer. So it's all about matters that putting all together.''

He then added: ''Whole field is very very tight and every milliseconds from Q1, Q2, Q3 it counts a lot. It's a race that I think I was able to put it all together. I think it was one of the best weekends I had in terms of progress. It was not easy at all, with the safety cars and everything, but I was able to squeeze the points.''

When asked if he is heading to Monza with renewed confidence, Tsunoda believes he can achieve a positive result, even though he hasn’t had much luck in Italy in recent years.

''I'm resetting every year. Although three, out of four (races), I had a DNF with a lot of troubles. So I hope I don't have that this year.''

''I still enjoy a lot of this track. Very challenging track in terms of confidence. When you have confidence you're going to have a quick lap and also for the race as well, it's quite a raceable track compared to others. I'm still looking forward to it.''

Finally, when asked if he feels he is still having to impress the team and new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies, he added: ''That’s what I’m trying to do every race. You always need results as much as possible. I try to exceed expectations and just keep doing what I’m doing.''

''I don’t think I have to change much. Since Laurent joined, actually, my results haven’t been too bad. Obviously, whether it’s enough or not, that’s not for me to decide. But I just keep pushing.''