Yuki Tsunoda Faces Tough Red Bull Qualifying Blow

Yuki Tsunoda faced another major setback during qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The Red Bull driver finished 20th, placing him at the very back of the grid once again for Sunday’s race.

His qualifying struggles continue this season, as the Barcelona session marked the third race in a row where Tsunoda did not advance to Q2 and started outside the top 10. Close competition at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya meant margins were tight, yet Tsunoda’s gap to team-mate Max Verstappen was under six-tenths of a second.

After his initial qualifying lap, Tsunoda was 19th on the timesheets. He immediately asked the Red Bull team to check his car’s floor, fearing possible damage after running wide at the final corner just as he began his first timed effort.

Returning to the action in the session’s final minutes, Tsunoda again pushed for a faster time but could not escape the bottom five. Other drivers improved and left him behind, sealing his place at the bottom.

This qualifying result has made Tsunoda’s season with Red Bull even more difficult. Despite high hopes when he joined the main team from AlphaTauri, the Japanese driver continues to struggle with pace and consistency.

With Verstappen regularly fighting in the top group, the contrast within Red Bull is becoming greater. For Tsunoda, the lack of points starting positions could jeopardize his future at the team if the trend doesn’t reverse soon. Recent rule changes may further impact team dynamics as the season progresses.

The timing boards showed just how closely matched the field was as Q1 ran to its conclusion. With so little separating racers, even the smallest slide or error from drivers made a significant difference.

Tsunoda’s time was less than a second off the leaders, but in modern F1, that’s enough to spell disaster in qualifying. Team radio traffic throughout the session confirmed the tension and pressure among all competitors.

Tsunoda will line up 20th for Sunday’s race, unless other drivers receive penalties that promote him further up the order. The upcoming Grand Prix provides another test for the young driver as he continues to search for stronger results and better traction with Red Bull’s main squad.

The energy around the paddock remains focused on whether Tsunoda can rebound or if Barcelona is just another chapter in a challenging season. Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull’s championship position depends on strong results from both drivers.

Verstappen, already a title contender, needs support to secure points in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ races. As the calendar moves deeper into the summer and the field stays close, Tsunoda’s ability to overcome setbacks and find points could shape the team’s trajectory for the rest of the 2025 season. Pressure within the team has also been highlighted after criticism following Monaco, adding to the tense atmosphere.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.