Tsunoda Eyes 2025 Red Bull Seat After RB20 Test

Yuki Tsunoda praises the RB20, highlighting its compatibility with his driving style, as he targets a potential 2025 Red Bull seat.

Yuki Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Red Bull RB20 while testing for the Milton Keynes team in Abu Dhabi. Over 127 laps, he gave his best effort to prove he deserves a seat alongside Max Verstappen next year.

“It’s the first time in four years I’ve driven a different car. You can physically feel why the RB20 competed for the championship this year; it’s a very different car to drive,” said Tsunoda. “We had a very proactive day today, and I’m very happy about it.”

“I still have a lot to learn, but the team did an excellent job preparing for a strong session today, and the atmosphere in the garage was very pleasant. I feel the car suits my driving style, and I didn’t struggle much to adapt, even on the long runs.”

“I was able to drive consistently today and feel the car’s limits, which, without confidence in the car, would have been impossible to explore. I’m happier than ever right now, and ensuring the team gets the data it needs from every session is the most important takeaway from today.”

Isack Hadjar took the wheel of the second RB20, completing 125 laps in what he called a productive day: “I did a lot of laps during testing today. I had a very good feeling during the first two runs, which included some performance work and a few long runs as well.”

“Testing is demanding for the team, and the day is always busy. We learn a lot, and I had my first practice start during testing, which was a lot of fun. I immediately felt comfortable in the RB20. I’ve now participated in four free practice sessions, but they only happen every four months.”

“So, each time you try not to lose the feel of the car. We provided a lot of data to the team and engineers, so I’m pleased with the work we accomplished, and I hope for more opportunities like this in the future.”

“A Significant Effort” to Focus on 2025

Ben Waterhouse, Red Bull’s Performance Engineering Director, reviewed the tests and outlined their importance for 2025:
“It was a very productive day. Both cars ran reliably, completing over 250 laps, and the entire team continued to operate at a really high level after such a long season.”

“We had Yuki in our car for the first time and Isack driving the RB20 following his recent FP1 outing during the race weekend. We successfully completed priority tests on both cars, with both drivers delivering strong performances and providing exactly what we needed from them.”

“Yuki gave excellent feedback on the various tests with the 2025 Pirelli tires, offering valuable insights into the changes Pirelli will implement next year, while Isack did a fantastic job, completing all the procedural aero tests in the morning before moving on to long and short runs in the afternoon to evaluate a range of test elements.”

“The data collected today will now be analyzed in greater detail at the Milton Keynes factory. This, combined with the data gathered over the season, will help shape the performance improvements for 2025.”

“A big thank you to the entire team here, in Milton Keynes, and in Sakura. We must now recover from the season and make a significant effort over the winter to bring new performance gains to the RB21, aiming to fight for both championships next year.”