Tsunoda’s Frustration Boils Over in Bahrain Grand Prix

In a tense aftermath to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing’s Yuki Tsunoda has openly admitted the need for personal improvement after a fiery exchange with teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

During the closing stages of the race, tensions flared as Tsunoda hesitated to yield to Ricciardo’s fresher tires, prompting a request from the pit wall. The 23-year-old Japanese driver’s reaction was palpable, culminating in a contentious maneuver on Ricciardo during the cool-down lap.

“I mean, if I do those things again, for sure, it will be more issues.

“These are things I have to improve, mainly, so I’m working on it.

“[I] Need more than two steps, you know, not just like one step,” he added of his shortcomings.

“I have confidence I can prove that and it’s up to them [Red Bull Racing] if they want me or not.”

Despite Ricciardo finishing 13th and Tsunoda 14th, the incident has cast a shadow over their potential roles at Red Bull Racing for 2025.

Acknowledging his shortcomings, Tsunoda conceded, “Definitely, it’s the thing I have to improve, for sure,” emphasizing the need to control emotions in the heat of competition. Reflecting on his outburst, Tsunoda recognized the importance of maintaining composure and constructive communication within the team.

In the aftermath, Tsunoda affirmed efforts to address his weaknesses, emphasizing a commitment to personal growth and professionalism. However, he attributed some media scrutiny to sensationalized portrayals of his radio communications.

“It’s still a learning process and probably what I showed in Sunday was opposite – or Saturday,” he conceded.

“But just keep reminding myself just before I jump into the car, no pressing radio.

“I think they love to pick myself, to be honest, in those radio. Yeah, I mean, probably… I’m not that shouty as it looks in the radio on the TV.

“I don’t know. The more I say it’s going to be worse. I’m just going to say I just try my best to improve and you will see in the track from this race onwards.”

Following a post-race discussion, Tsunoda expressed regret over his actions, attributing the incident to the heat of the moment. However, he affirmed unity within the team and a mutual understanding moving forward.

“At that moment, yes,” he said when asked if the cool-down incident was a result of his frustration at the team orders he was issued.

“But in the end, I understand what they’re saying. And yeah, I think that’s it.

“Obviously, it wasn’t an easy race in the end. So that I think that’s it.

“We talked about it after the race with all the team, and we’re still unified,” he added.

“We’re on the same page now, we understand each other. So, yeah, I think that’s it, really.”

As the season progresses, Tsunoda aims to prove his worth on the track while striving to uphold team cohesion and professionalism, essential qualities for securing his future in Formula 1.