Yuki Tsunoda’s 2024 season represents a notable improvement from his 2023 performance. The Japanese driver has showcased impressive form during the opening quarter of the season, accumulating six points in Australia and securing a hard-earned point at his home race in Japan.
Tsunoda’s P7 finish in Miami last Sunday contributed significantly to the team’s climb in the standings, with Ricciardo scoring five in the Sprint race on Saturday. These outcomes underline the team’s upward trajectory following the relocation of most facilities closer to Red Bull’s headquarters.
Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda’s progress in an interview with Motorsport.com. Heading into the Imola GP, he is P10 in the Drivers’ Championship.
“You see a driver now that is able to not only have the raw speed, which we knew, and he elevated it even more now. But he can execute weekends with absolutely zero mistakes from FP1 to the race.
“It was the case in Australia, it was the case in Japan. And it was not far from that in Miami, to be honest.
“He has made a massive step forward and I think there is more to come, so we are working very hard to make sure we develop an environment where he is able to make these steps. We are very impressed with his work.”
The growth from the 24-year-old over the past four seasons with the team has been remarkable. He had the reputation for being very fiery over the radio in the past, but we haven’t seen this since the Bahrain Grand Prix when he argued about switching positions with his teammate.
Mekies acknowledged this growth, citing how he bounced back from a difficult weekend concerning pace in Shanghai and learning from it.
“He is getting better [dealing] with the low points.
“China was a good example, he approached it in a rational way and we analysed together and he hit the ground running in Miami.
“So yes, it’s a big step forward. It’s played a massive role in our current success and we think there is more to come.
“You can also hear it on the radio. He is improving inside and outside the car.”
