Tsunoda Baffled by Q1 Exit After Strong Sprint Showing
Yuki Tsunoda expressed bewilderment after crashing out in Q1 at the Qatar Grand Prix, just a day after securing a season-best P5 in sprint qualifying. This inconsistent performance puts his Red Bull future at risk, as he battles Liam Lawson for a 2026 seat. Despite a 'tidy' lap, Tsunoda was baffled by the sudden lack of pace, highlighting the challenges he faces to prove his worth in F1.
Just 24 hours after a season-high P5 in sprint qualifying, Yuki Tsunoda found himself knocked out in Q1 again at the Qatar Grand Prix, expressing complete bewilderment at the sudden drop in performance. This marks his 10th Q1 exit in 26 sessions since joining Red Bull, a concerning trend for the Japanese driver as his F1 future hangs in the balance.
Why it matters:
Yuki Tsunoda's inconsistent form is a critical factor in his fight to retain his Formula 1 seat for the 2026 season. With Liam Lawson hot on his heels for the second Racing Bulls spot, such unpredictable performances — swinging from a P5 sprint qualification to a Q1 elimination — highlight a significant challenge in demonstrating the consistency needed at the pinnacle of motorsport. His ability to explain these fluctuations is crucial for his career trajectory.
The details:
- In Friday's sprint qualifying, Tsunoda achieved a season-best fifth place, breaking Max Verstappen's 37-strong unbeaten streak against successive teammates in F1 qualifying.
- He described his car as 'clean' and 'smooth' during the sprint, expressing increased confidence in the Red Bull machinery.
- However, in Saturday's main qualifying, Tsunoda exited in Q1, recording his 10th such elimination in 26 sessions.
- Tsunoda stated, "I have no idea what happened because the lap was pretty tidy. Similar to what I had even yesterday [when it was enough for] P5. The car was pretty much the same. We changed one thing but it shouldn't affect that much. Yeah, I have no idea. Suddenly I lost the grip or pace."
- He insisted there were "no errors" on his part, calling the three-tenth deficit to Verstappen "strange" and even branding his own lap "pretty good."
- The Losail circuit is known for being difficult to overtake on, and a mandatory two-stop strategy due to tire wear concerns will limit tactical recovery options for Tsunoda in the race.
What's next:
With his Red Bull drive understood to be at risk and battling Liam Lawson for a 2026 Racing Bulls seat, Tsunoda's performance in the main race is crucial. A top-seven finish could help him leapfrog Lawson in the drivers' standings, but his starting position and the track's nature make this a formidable challenge. While Tsunoda maintains that his future is "not decided yet," consistent strong performances, especially under pressure, are vital to secure his place on the grid.