Max Verstappen sees Red Bull's stable setup as key to Yuki Tsunoda's resurgence

Max Verstappen believes a more stable setup with Red Bull's RB21 F1 car could continue to yield major benefits for Yuki Tsunoda, offering a glimmer of hope for the Japanese driver's future at the team. Tsunoda's recent performance spike, highlighted by his best result of the season in Baku, coincides with a significant car upgrade, suggesting a potential turning point for his challenging year.

Why it matters:

Yuki Tsunoda's future at Red Bull has been uncertain, marked by an inconsistent season that saw him struggle to score points after being promoted from Racing Bulls. A stable car setup and performance improvements are crucial for him to secure his seat for next year and demonstrate his potential within the highly competitive F1 grid. For Red Bull, having both drivers consistently performing is vital for their constructors' championship aspirations.

The details:

• Tsunoda's Struggles: After his promotion, Tsunoda scored just nine points before the Baku race, enduring a seven-race drought that put his position under scrutiny.
• Key Upgrade: Red Bull introduced a new floor component on its car ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, which immediately propelled Verstappen to victory.
• Delayed Rollout for Tsunoda: Tsunoda, however, had to wait for this crucial component. He received the new floor a fortnight later at the Baku street circuit.
• Instant Impact: With the new floor, Tsunoda achieved his best result of the season in Baku, starting and finishing sixth. This performance allowed him to jump two places in the drivers' standings.
• Verstappen's Perspective: Verstappen acknowledged the RB21's tricky nature but noted that the team is finding a more stable setup. He expressed hope that this newfound stability would benefit both drivers, especially given the tight competition where a tenth of a second can determine qualifying outcomes.

The big picture:

Red Bull's mid-season car developments, particularly the new floor, have shown a clear impact on performance. While Verstappen has consistently maximized these upgrades, Tsunoda's recent strong showing suggests that the car itself, once more stable and predictable, can unlock greater potential from its drivers. This consistency is paramount for Red Bull as they aim to challenge for both championships, especially with Verstappen still chasing Oscar Piastri in the drivers' standings.

What's next:

With 199 points still available and Verstappen 69 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri, consistent performance from both drivers will be essential. If the car's newfound stability continues to benefit Tsunoda, it could solidify his position within the Red Bull family for the 2025 season. The upcoming races will be crucial for Tsunoda to demonstrate that his Baku performance was not an anomaly but a sign of sustained improvement fueled by the car's development.