Permane: Tsunoda's Skills Align with F1's Elite Drivers

Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane has highly praised Yuki Tsunoda, stating that the Japanese driver's skills, including his speed, tire management, and detailed feedback, are "really in line with the top drivers" in Formula 1. Permane, who worked with Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, highlighted his unexpected professionalism and ability to extract maximum performance from the car, both in qualifying and race trim.

Why it matters:

Permane's strong endorsement positions Tsunoda as a formidable talent, potentially elevating his standing within the Red Bull driver pool and the broader F1 grid. Such high praise from a seasoned F1 professional like Permane, who has worked with multiple top drivers, underscores Tsunoda's significant growth and potential for a top-tier seat in the future, especially as the 2026 driver market heats up.

The Details:

• Permane, who joined Racing Bulls as Racing Director in 2024 before becoming Team Principal, first worked with Tsunoda this season after the driver's seat swap with Liam Lawson.
• Exceptional Speed and Tire Management: Permane was immediately impressed by Tsunoda's raw pace, his ability to manage tires effectively during races, and his consistent qualifying performance, extracting the most from the car.
• Professionalism and Feedback: Beyond his on-track prowess, Tsunoda's professionalism, detailed technical feedback, and overall demeanor both inside and outside the cockpit earned Permane's admiration. This aspect particularly surprised Permane, placing Tsunoda in the same league as other top F1 talents he has worked with.
• Growth and Evolution: Tsunoda has consistently evolved since his F1 debut in 2021, transforming into a more reliable and skilled competitor, a trajectory that Permane's comments affirm.

What's next:

While Tsunoda made a strong impression, Permane's current focus is on the Racing Bulls' new lineup of Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, who are tasked with maximizing the team's performance for the remainder of the season. Tsunoda, meanwhile, will look to continue his strong run of form, building on recent successes like his season-best P6 finish in Baku. Permane's assessment bodes well for Tsunoda's future, but retaining his grid spot for 2026 amidst intense competition will be the ultimate test of his continued development and adaptability.