Yuki Tsunoda Qualifying Woes Continue at Austrian Grand Prix

Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles continue as he gets eliminated once again during Q1 at the Austrian Grand Prix.

After putting together a handful of laps during Q1, Tsunoda got eliminated by five hundredths of a second and is starting P18 for the race.

The operating window for the RB21 is narrow, needing specific adjustments and conditions to perform optimally.

Red Bull Yuki Tsunoda — Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria.

Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images

After qualifying, Tsunoda again pointed out the car’s trickiness – a regular complaint from the driver all season long.

“I was expecting at least Q3 today. I know this car feels good and, you know, just first push already felt really good as well,” Tsunoda told the media.

“So, yeah, just somehow, just, 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 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. 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 maximize 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.”

Tsunoda has only qualified in the top 10 three times out of nine races at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen is regularly delivering amazing performances in the car, fighting for wins and pole at most races.

The good news for Tsunoda and Red Bull is that the driver typically works his way up the grid during the race and could steal a point or two if there is chaos.