Red Bull plans a custom RB21 setup for Yuki Tsunoda, aiming to boost comfort and performance after Lawson’s controversial 2025 exit.
Red Bull is making moves to ensure Yuki Tsunoda is more comfortable behind the wheel of the RB21 next season. After announcing Tsunoda’s return to the Racing Bulls for 2025, the team has hinted at a fresh approach, one that could involve a different setup philosophy for their second car.
But not everyone within the team was on board with the decision to sideline Liam Lawson so quickly.
In an interview with formel1.de, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko revealed that Max Verstappen disagreed with the team’s “unanimous” call to drop Lawson after just two races.
“That’s true, and Max made his opinion clear,” said Marko. “He believes the car is very difficult to drive, and if that improved, Lawson’s performance would naturally improve too.”
Verstappen even “liked” an Instagram post calling the decision “harassment,” making his stance known publicly.
According to Marko, development is ongoing, but it’s too early to say how quickly the car’s handling will improve.
Interestingly, even McLaren’s Lando Norris, currently in championship contention, has complained about his car being difficult to drive. That similarity hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially since McLaren’s technical resurgence began shortly after Rob Marshall, formerly of Red Bull, joined their team.
“There’s definitely a connection,” Marko said with a smile. “McLaren’s upward trend started right after he came onboard. It’s likely some of our DNA is in that car.”
Tsunoda’s Setup, Tsunoda’s Way
Back in Tokyo over the weekend at a Honda event, Tsunoda shared his first impressions after spending two days in the simulator with the RB21.
“I didn’t find the car that hard to drive,” he said. “Of course, the setup I’ll use probably won’t be the same as Max’s, but I didn’t feel anything unusual, at least in the sim.”
This feedback may be shaping a new direction for Red Bull’s second seat strategy.
“We’re considering using a different setup on the second car,” Marko explained, “something less aggressive and easier to handle.”
With Tsunoda dreaming of a podium at Suzuka, Red Bull seems determined to give him the tools to succeed, his way.
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Tsunoda’s RB21 to Get Unique Setup Amid Shake-Up Tsunoda’s RB21 to Get Unique Setup Amid Shake-Up
