Tsunoda Reflects on Vegas Pace: 'Couldn't Really Show It' in Results
Yuki Tsunoda expressed strong confidence in his Las Vegas Grand Prix performance, asserting he had top-tier pace despite a pit-lane start and another points-less finish. He cited unfortunate circumstances like incorrect tire pressures, a ill-timed Safety Car, and dirty air as hindrances, claiming his free practice speed often surpassed Max Verstappen's. Though acknowledging the results didn't show it, Tsunoda believes his underlying pace is heading in the right direction, a crucial sentiment as he fights for his future in Formula 1.
Yuki Tsunoda, known for his unshakeable confidence, offered an exceptionally optimistic debrief after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite another points-less finish. Starting from the pit lane and only climbing to 12th after two McLarens were disqualified, Tsunoda maintained that his underlying pace was top-tier, hindered by a series of unfortunate events including incorrect tire pressures, a badly timed Safety Car, and persistent dirty air.
Why it matters:
Yuki Tsunoda is fighting for his future in Formula 1, particularly with the 2026 driver market in mind. His consistent struggle to convert promising pace into concrete results raises questions about his long-term viability, especially as Red Bull looks to solidify its driver lineup. His self-assessment, while highlighting perceived strengths, also underscores the gap between potential and actual performance, a critical factor for any driver aspiring to stay in the sport's top tier.
The Details:
- Free Practice Pace: Tsunoda confidently claimed that he was 'multiple times' faster than Max Verstappen during various free practice sessions (FP1, FP2, FP3) in Las Vegas. He emphasized this as a significant personal achievement, noting it was 'something that I didn't have and we didn't see probably for a long time.'
- Qualifying Mishap: His qualifying session was compromised by incorrect tire pressures in Q1, leading to an early exit and a pit-lane start for the race. He described this as 'completely not in my control and a lost opportunity.'
- Race Incidents: During the race, Tsunoda cited an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car, which occurred immediately after his pit stop, as a major setback. This left him 'stuck in dirty air,' further hampering his ability to advance through the field.
- Team's Perspective: AlphaTauri team boss Laurent Mekies acknowledged the team's role in the strategy, admitting they took 'a bit more risk' by pitting Tsunoda early to get him into 'some free air.' However, the VSC timing negated this strategy.
What's next:
While Tsunoda's optimism about his raw speed is notable, the consistent failure to convert this into points remains a significant concern. With the 2026 regulations and driver market approaching, drivers like Tsunoda need more than just flashes of speed in practice sessions. He must demonstrate an ability to execute clean races, manage unfortunate circumstances, and consistently deliver points to secure his place in the competitive F1 landscape. The true test will be whether he can translate his self-perceived pace into tangible results as the season progresses, silencing doubters and proving his worth beyond 'what ifs' and 'could haves.'