Yuki Tsunoda’s long-awaited debut as a Red Bull Racing driver unfolded on Friday at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the 24-year-old Japanese star delivered a performance that blended promise with the stark realization of the challenges ahead. Stepping into the RB21 cockpit for the first time in a competitive setting at his home circuit, Tsunoda finished sixth in Free Practice 1 (FP1), just 0.107 seconds behind teammate Max Verstappen, but slipped to 18th in a disrupted Free Practice 2 (FP2). Reflecting on the day, Tsunoda expressed a mix of satisfaction and determination as he begins his journey with the Milton Keynes-based squad.
Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull came after a dramatic early-season shake-up, with the team replacing Liam Lawson following the New Zealander’s struggles in the opening two races of 2025. For Tsunoda, who had spent four seasons with Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls, the call-up was a dream realized—especially at Suzuka, a track he knows intimately. “FP1 was better than expected,” Tsunoda said after the sessions. “I think we can say today was okay, but it could have been better. FP2, lots of work to do.” His comments underscored a day of highs and lows as he grappled with the nuances of the RB21, a car that has proven tricky for even the reigning world champion Verstappen.
In FP1, Tsunoda delighted the passionate home crowd, clocking a time that placed him just a tenth off Verstappen’s pace—a remarkable feat for a driver in his first outing with the senior team. The session offered a glimpse of his potential to adapt quickly, a trait Red Bull hopes will aid in developing the RB21, which has lagged behind McLaren and Mercedes in early 2025 pace. However, FP2 painted a different picture. Four red flags, including one triggered by Alpine’s Jack Doohan’s crash, limited Tsunoda’s running, and he couldn’t complete a qualifying simulation. “It was a bit frustrating because every time I went out, there was a red flag or traffic,” he admitted. “But I think it was a good start.”
Tsunoda’s transition to Red Bull has been under intense scrutiny, not least because of the team’s history of cycling through Verstappen’s teammates. Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and most recently Lawson have struggled to match the Dutchman’s pace in a car tailored to his driving style. Tsunoda, however, brings a wealth of experience—89 races with Racing Bulls—and a newfound maturity that impressed team principal Christian Horner. “Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car,” Horner said earlier this week, justifying the swap.
The Japanese driver also offered insights into the RB21’s handling, comparing it to his simulator sessions. “It’s a bit different to the simulator, what I felt, to be honest,” Tsunoda noted. “Maybe a little bit more than I expected in terms of car feeling. It was just a little bit more exaggerated in the real car and felt a bit more tricky.” Despite the challenges, he remained upbeat, emphasizing the learning curve ahead. “I knew it is always a bit different in the real car, but I’m feeling pretty good confidence so far.”
Verstappen, who finished eighth in FP2, praised his new teammate’s efforts. “Yuki did a good job today,” the four-time world champion said. “It’s not easy jumping into this car, especially with how tricky it’s been this year, but he was close in FP1, and that’s a positive sign.” Verstappen’s own struggles with the RB21—coupled with McLaren’s dominance, as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri topped both sessions—highlight the task facing Red Bull as they aim to reclaim the Constructors’ Championship.
For Tsunoda, the day was as much about settling in as it was about performance. “When I entered the hospitality, I was only thinking about breakfast!” he quipped, showcasing the relaxed demeanor that has endeared him to fans. Yet beneath the levity lies a fierce determination to seize this opportunity. “It can’t get crazier than this situation,” he said earlier this week. “First race in Red Bull Racing, but also at my home Grand Prix. I’m just excited.”