Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull debut at Suzuka ended without points, leaving home fans disappointed after high hopes for a podium.
Tsunoda came into his first Japanese Grand Prix as a Red Bull Racing driver with high hopes. A dream podium in front of his home crowd felt like a real possibility. But by Sunday evening, it was disappointment that lingered.
After a promising Friday, where pace and confidence were there, Saturday’s qualifying didn’t go his way. Starting 14th on the grid, Tsunoda battled hard but crossed the line in 12th – just outside the points, and never quite able to shake the traffic ahead.
“I’m happy with how I drove, but I really wanted points,” Tsunoda said. “It’s tough, especially here in Japan. I expected more, and I think the fans did too. I was stuck in dirty air most of the race and couldn’t really push beyond that. I gave it everything.”
Despite the result, Tsunoda sees the bigger picture.
“These 53 laps were valuable. I’m learning a lot and building confidence in the car. I felt in control out there, and that’s a positive I’m taking with me. Now I’m focused on Bahrain.”
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No Points – No Glory: Tsunoda Misses Mark at Suzuka No Points – No Glory: Tsunoda Misses Mark at Suzuka