Tsunoda expects 'spicy' Italian GP qualifying: 'More extreme than usual'

Yuki Tsunoda expects an especially 'spicy' qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix, warning that Monza's usual chaos could be even more extreme this year. The Racing Bulls driver is back for a second consecutive weekend, with Liam Lawson again standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull Racing.

Why it matters:

Qualifying at Monza is often decided by slipstreams, traffic and timing, and Tsunoda believes the margins will be tighter than ever. For Red Bull, a strong Saturday is crucial after Max Verstappen struggled with balance, brakes and tyre degradation on Friday.

The details:

• Tsunoda said FP1 and FP2 were chaotic and FP3 likely will be too. "I think it will be chaos," he said. "It will be probably a little bit more extreme this year."
• The Japanese driver highlighted the importance of a tow: "Tow is definitely important, and that also affects everything. So it's going to be spicy."
• Red Bull had a difficult opening day at Monza. Verstappen finished FP2 ninth, more than eight-tenths behind George Russell, and complained about brakes, bouncing and tyre degradation.
• Pierre Waché admitted the car has a balance issue similar to Zandvoort. He also noted that Verstappen missing FP1 left the team with less time to react.

Between the lines:

Lawson hinted that Red Bull could use towing tactics to help Verstappen in qualifying. "For sure, it's something we'll discuss, and we'll come up with a plan," he said.

What's next:

Red Bull must make the necessary changes before FP3, with qualifying expected to be tight. If the balance issues persist, Verstappen could face an uphill battle at Monza, where track position remains crucial.