Red Bull is expected to promote Racing Bulls standout rookie Isack Hadjar to the main team next year as Max Verstappen’s new partner, with 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad promoted to Racing Bulls. That decision would leave Tsunoda or Liam Lawson out of action.
Advertisement
Red Bull initially promised to make its decision by the end of November, but has since said its final call could now be delayed until Abu Dhabi, suggesting the organization may not be completely convinced yet about what it wants to do with its fourth F1 seat.
That uncertainty means Tsunoda heads into the season-ending tripleheader of Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi without any confirmation as to whether or not it will be his last for the foreseeable future.
“If I say I’m not nervous, it would be a lie,” Tsunoda said in the Las Vegas paddock. “It’s just a similar situation to last year or even two years ago, so, to be honest, I got used to it. That’s part of this Formula 1.”
Advertisement
“The good thing is that I had experience with that situation many times. I know what I have to do for the next races. In the end, I can’t control those decisions, right? So, what I can control is giving the performance and giving my best. That’s what I enjoy, that’s what I’m here for, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Obviously, I’m sure there are some nerves. They’re there, especially outside of racing. But at the same time, one of my strengths is that once I put the helmet on, I forget about everything and I can enjoy the Las Vegas scenery.”
Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing
The best way Tsunoda can help himself and the team is to score some points in Las Vegas, as Mercedes’ strong weekend in Brazil has allowed it to take a healthy lead over Red Bull in the fight for second place in the constructors’ championship.
Advertisement
“There is still hope. I will do everything I can in that, whether it is helping Max or the constructors. Being as close as possible to Max in qualifying is probably the main thing. That’s what I have to do,” he said.
“Mexico was clearly a race that we know would have been scoring, with a beautiful pit stop. In Brazil it was definitely my fault that on the first lap I hit the front wing. But still, the pace was good. The most important thing is that the team knows it. It’s better that (if) the pace wasn’t there at all. But I know that I also have to accelerate a little more in qualifying.”
Also read:
Advertisement
George Russell questions McLaren’s form ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix
The similarities that Fernando Alonso sees with himself in Max Verstappen
Ferrari drivers considered John Elkann’s comment about “talking less” “positive”
To read more articles from Motorsport.com visit our website.