Yuki Tsunoda Frustrated by Frequent F1 Practice Disruptions

Yuki Tsunoda has voiced strong frustration over the recent trend of disrupted second free practice sessions in Formula 1. The Red Bull driver's comments came after the Singapore Grand Prix's FP2 was marred by multiple red flags, hindering crucial low-fuel, soft tire runs and race simulations.

Why it matters:

FP2 is arguably the most critical practice session of a Grand Prix weekend, offering the most representative conditions for both qualifying and the race. Disruptions in this session significantly impede teams' and drivers' ability to fine-tune setups, understand tire degradation, and gather vital data, which can have a knock-on effect on their performance for the rest of the weekend. For Tsunoda, a consistent lack of clean running in this session is directly impacting his preparation and confidence.

The Details:

• Singapore GP FP2: Tsunoda finished 11th in a session heavily affected by several red flags, preventing him from completing a smooth program. This particular session was even more crucial as it's the only practice held at night, mirroring qualifying and race conditions at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
• Tsunoda's Reaction: He expressed significant annoyance, stating, "It's kind of a trend in FP2 that we're never able to have a clean session. So, it's really pissing me off, but, yeah, it's life, and I think [I just need to] stay calm and, yeah, optimise the setup, and that's it."
• Recent History of Disruptions: This isn't an isolated incident. Prior FP2 sessions at Zandvoort saw multiple red flags, Monza had a blocking incident involving Lance Stroll on Tsunoda's quick lap, and Baku's running was impacted by numerous yellow flags.
• Performance Concerns: Despite cooler temperatures and a rubbered-in track in Singapore FP2, Tsunoda felt there wasn't much more grip compared to FP1. He specifically struggled with front-end grip in his RB21, contrasting with some competitors who found conditions easier.
  • He was also almost a second slower than his teammate Max Verstappen, who finished third fastest, indicating a potential struggle to adapt or optimize his car within the limited clean running.

What's next:

Teams and drivers will need to adapt quickly to these unpredictable practice conditions. For Tsunoda, the challenge lies in maximizing limited track time and maintaining composure despite the disruptions. His ability to overcome these hurdles and work effectively with his team to optimize the car's setup will be crucial for improving his performance in upcoming races. The persistent issue of disrupted FP2s highlights a broader trend that F1 and the FIA might need to address to ensure fair and productive practice sessions for all competitors.