Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda will be starting from the pit lane for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Tsunoda secured a P16 race start in qualifying, but his team had to replace his RB21 F1 car’s power unit in parc ferme.
The Japanese driver’s car was fitted with a fifth internal combustion engine, while the regulations allow up to four in a year, which attracted a pit lane penalty. In addition, his RB21 also received a new MGU-H, MGU-K, a turbocharger, and a new exhaust.
Tsunoda complained about the lack of traction in qualifying, leading to a Q1 exit. His teammate Max Verstappen secured a P8 start for the Grand Prix. Speaking about the challenge he faced with the car, and ruling out a balance issue, Tsunoda said:
“If we knew there was a problem, probably we would not struggle that much. We don’t know yet. The car balance itself is not that bad. But just the grip level that the car is providing is very, very low. It’s not the level that we normally feel.
“Throughout the week, I think there was a positive from our side of the garage that we are consistently closer to Max. Some sessions we were ahead. So, something to take a positive, but at the same time, it is not easy for our team.”
Tsunoda linked the setback to a change Red Bull made to his car before the third practice session. He explained:
“I don’t think we were able to fix the major issue. To be honest, something we changed to in FP3. We were able to make a little bit of a back step with our side of the garage. Some bit of issue that we think we can avoid. It was fully in our control.
“That’s something that we shouldn’t happen. We definitely have to improve for the future. Because that kind of made ourselves a bit clouded idea: What kind of car are we getting for qualifying? Which is a bit frustrating.”
However, there was one positive point Tsunoda noticed in qualifying. Speaking about matching Verstappen’s pace, he said:
“Yeah, I think definitely. Obviously, Max is Max. But at the same time, yeah. Definitely positive, like I said. I was very close to Max throughout the week. Some sessions I had. And I noticed some peaks come from my side of the car. So, I think, obviously frustrating that missing Q1. But also, he was almost out as well. So, something that I can be proud of.”
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