Yuki Tsunoda: “I’m really tired of starting P18 or P19” after qualifying disaster

Yuki Tsunoda’s challenging 2025 season has hit yet another low as he exited qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix in Q1. With the Japanese driver set to start 18th on the grid for tomorrow’s race, this is yet another example of the unruly Red Bull car fighting against him. 

Tsunoda was left frustrated after a second qualifying run that felt “completely different” from an impressive qualifying opener. 

Speaking after his Q1 exit, Tsunoda detailed what he was feeling from the RB21. 

“Not able to adjust properly with the things in the second push,” he explained. “First push felt good, and yeah, the second push. I mean, obviously, there’s always perfect laps. So, you know, there’s something that I could have done better. But, yeah, also, that balance felt completely different between first push and second push. That caught a bit of a surprise.”

When pressed on where he was feeling the specific issues on his final run, he said bluntly: “Everywhere, yeah.”

The driver has been struggling since being moved to the top team after an impressive run in Racing Bulls at the beginning of the season. The Red Bull is notoriously difficult to drive with its narrow operating window, with even Max Verstappen struggling today, with the Dutchman qualifying in P7.

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Despite these known issues, Tsunoda was feeling optimistic going into today’s session.

“I was expecting at least Q3 today,” Tsunoda admitted. “I know this car feels good and, you know, just first push already felt really good as well. So, yeah, just somehow, I guess, with this kind of stage that I’m in, I’m happy with the confidence. And I’m sure I’m in the right direction in terms of how I’m approaching it and progress.

“But still, I think, with this kind of very narrow window car, you just want to have [a] consistent car as much as possible. And, obviously, I guess Max kind of reported the same in Q2, but at least he knows about this car, how to handle it.

Photos from Austrian GP – Practice and Qualifying

“So, even with that kind of bit of surprise between the runs and everything, he can probably adapt within the lap. But, myself, especially like that kind of difference I felt between that first run and second run, I’m not in the level that I can adjust fully in the lap or maximise it within the package, which I was doing and also I am not even in the level that I was doing in the VCARB.

“So, I mean, it’s just normal, but every time in qualifying, it’s a bit of frustration.”

He’s now left with limited strategy options for the Grand Prix. 

“It’s only soft tyre, so it’s not a medium tyre, it’s a hard tyre. I guess it’s the tyre that other competitors are going to use mainly, or I’m going to use mainly,” he noted. “It’s not really positive that having lots of soft tyres in the tank.”

A setup change is also a possibility, albeit with it being accompanied by a pit lane start.

“But I don’t have to, or we’ll have to see strategy-wise. If it’s better, maybe we’ll take it, but… This issue in the car, the thing is… Yeah, so… Really frustrating and just that thing. I’m really tired of starting with a P18 or P19, whatever.”

While qualifying seems to be this driver’s Achilles heel, he hopes to make up for it in race pace.

“Like I said, the pace was good more than ever. Understanding about the car as well, but just… Long run is a different scenario, always the dirty air, whatever car you have. It’s still difficult, so let’s see what we can do. I’ll try my best to score points.”