Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez have both reached out to Yuki Tsunoda over the last few days. Red Bull’s latest addition has revealed that a series of drivers offered their support after his promotion was announced.
Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, the second seat at Red Bull has become something of a poison chalice.
Lawson’s performances in Australia and China have reinforced the idea that partnering Max Verstappen is the hardest task in F1.
With this in mind, Tsunoda has received plenty of advice from drivers who were in a similar position.
Former Red Bull drivers offer advice to Tsunoda
Over the last few seasons, Red Bull’s F1 machines have become notorious for being difficult to handle.
Although Max Verstappen has managed to optimise the RB20 and, most recently, the RB21, the same cannot be said for his teammates.
Sergio Perez first began raising concerns in 2023 – which were later validated by Verstappen as time went on.
Even with over a decade of experience on the grid, the 6-time winner could not find solutions to the Red Bull puzzle.
Liam Lawson, whose experience amounts to barely half a season, suffered even worse results with the RB21.
The Kiwi’s constant presence at the back of the field in Albert Park and Shanghai has massively intensified the scrutiny at the Red Bull garage.
In this context, Yuki Tsunoda will take any support he can get ahead of his Red Bull debut.
He told the media in Suzuka about some of the drivers who have reached out:
“I got a message from Pierre that he wanted a call from me, about the experience he had in Red Bull.
“About the things he should have done in Red Bull, and wanted to share a couple of ideas that could work for the coming races in Red Bull.
“That was very nice of him – they were very useful tips.
“I also got from Checo as well.
“All of the Red Bull family drivers gave very supportive messages.
“Those two have been very supportive to me, [it’s] very appreciated and they’re drivers I respect the most.”
A critical month for Red Bull
Since being announced as a Red Bull driver, Tsunoda has completed a series of simulator sessions to prepare himself.
However, there is no substitute for mileage on track – something he desperately lacks in Red Bull’s 2025 challenger.
This is where Christian Horner’s personnel must step up and offer the necessary support to make this adjustment process as easy as possible.
Lawson’s poor results can be dismissed to a lack of experience. However, this will not be a relevant factor for Tsunoda – who has now completed several years in Formula 1.
Considering the 24-year-old’s consistently strong results in recent years, his performances will provide an unequivocal answer to whether the RB21’s complications can be overcome.
If Red Bull want to be competitive in the constructors standings, it is essential Tsunoda can fight near the front.
Perhaps more importantly, Tsunoda’s results will dictate the narrative about Red Bull’s dependence on Max Verstappen.
