Tsunoda expects 'spicy' Monza qualifying: 'More extreme than usual'

Yuki Tsunoda expects an especially "spicy" qualifying session at the Italian Grand Prix, warning of even more chaos than usual. The Racing Bulls driver, again standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar, believes slipstreaming will be decisive.

Why it matters:

Monza's low-downforce layout always makes towing a crucial tactic, but with the midfield tighter than ever, a well-timed tow could be the difference between pole and a back-row start. Red Bull, already struggling with balance, cannot afford to get it wrong.

The details:

• Tsunoda said FP1 and FP2 were chaotic and predicted more of the same: "Tow is definitely important, and that also affects everything. So it's going to be spicy."
• Liam Lawson, again called up by Red Bull, hinted he could help Max Verstappen with a tow: "For sure, it's something we'll discuss, and we'll come up with a plan."
• Verstappen finished FP2 ninth, more than eight-tenths behind George Russell, complaining of brake issues, bouncing, and tire degradation.
• Red Bull technical director Pierre Waché admitted a balance issue similar to Zandvoort, made worse by Verstappen missing FP1. "We have to make the necessary changes ahead of FP3."

What's next:

With the field so tightly packed, qualifying could come down to who gets the best tow at the right moment. Red Bull must resolve its overnight issues to give Verstappen a genuine shot at pole.