Racing Bulls Boss Praises Tsunoda's Key Qualities

Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane has voiced his significant admiration for Yuki Tsunoda, highlighting the Japanese driver's impressive natural speed, especially in qualifying, and his exceptional tire management skills. Permane, who began working with Tsunoda in 2024, admitted he was immediately struck by these attributes, which he believes align with those of top-tier Formula 1 drivers.

Why it matters:

Yuki Tsunoda's performance and the praise from a seasoned team principal like Alan Permane could be crucial for his future in Formula 1. With Red Bull's driver lineup often a point of intense speculation, a strong showing and positive internal reviews could elevate Tsunoda's standing within the Red Bull family, potentially paving the way for a move to the senior team or securing a long-term position at Racing Bulls. This recognition also underscores his maturation as a driver, shedding the 'hot-headed' label he once carried.

The Details:

• Natural Speed: Permane was particularly impressed by Tsunoda's raw pace, emphasizing his ability to extract maximum performance from the car quickly, especially during qualifying sessions.
• Tire Management: Another key quality highlighted was Tsunoda's skill in managing his tires effectively, a critical factor for race strategy and performance consistency.
• Driver Feedback: Permane noted that Tsunoda's feedback and his approach both inside and outside the car are 'really in line with the top drivers,' indicating a high level of professionalism and technical understanding.
• Pleasant Surprise: Permane, who took over from Laurent Mekies, admitted that Tsunoda's qualities came as a pleasant surprise, describing him as a 'great driver'—a sentiment he hadn't anticipated before working with him.

What's next:

Tsunoda's continued strong performances, particularly in comparison to his teammates, will be vital. As the F1 season progresses, his ability to consistently deliver results and demonstrate these lauded qualities will be key to solidifying his reputation and potentially attracting attention for higher opportunities. The ongoing battle for F1 seats, especially within the Red Bull ecosystem, means that every impression and every race result counts significantly for drivers like Tsunoda.