Yuki Tsunoda Teases Exciting New Red Bull Performance Boost

Yuki Tsunoda has suggested a major step forward is on the horizon for his Red Bull RB21 as the Canadian Grand Prix weekend unfolds. After finishing 15th in second practice at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Tsunoda sits eight-tenths of a second off George Russell’s best time, and just three-tenths behind teammate Max Verstappen.

While Tsunoda’s car did not have the latest floor upgrade seen on Verstappen’s car during Friday’s running, Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan indicated the plan is to introduce the same specification for Tsunoda ahead of qualifying, depending on how the team’s preparations play out.

Tsunoda shared after the session that he expects “something to come in for Saturday,” hinting at a possible pace boost ahead of qualifying. The team’s upgrade rollout is described as dependent on circumstances, but Monaghan stressed that putting both cars on the newest specification is a priority.

Image credit: www.redbull.com

“This is in our interest to keep him on the best kit, it was just unfortunate circumstances,” Monaghan said when asked at the track. Tsunoda’s Friday run without the upgraded floor means there is potential for free lap time if he receives the new parts before qualifying.

Even without the updated components, Tsunoda reported that his RB21 felt solid and that car setup had progressed well over the practice sessions in Montreal. He acknowledged, though, that the performance gap still needs closing.

“I know there’s something to come in for Saturday which is good, that will give hopefully a bit of lap time there,” Tsunoda said after the session. He identified Q3 as his minimum goal, pointing out that both progress on setup and the expected upgrade could play a role in reaching the top ten in qualifying.

Tsunoda’s journey at Red Bull has included periods of adaptation, especially as he pushes to match Verstappen’s performance in the same machinery. Recent sessions have shown improvement, but Tsunoda remains focused on advancing further.

“Yeah, I definitely have to be in Q3. That’s the target. Let’s see how it goes tomorrow,” he commented. He added that he is interested to see how the car responds if the upgrade is fitted for Saturday’s session.

The Canadian Grand Prix marks a busy period for Red Bull Racing, with attention also focused on Max Verstappen’s championship campaign and the ongoing developments across the grid. The 2025 driver and team standings show Oscar Piastri leading with 186 points and McLaren on top with 362, while Verstappen sits third in the drivers’ table and Red Bull fourth among the teams. For more on Verstappen and McLaren’s recent performances, see the latest Spanish GP analysis.

Upcoming action continues with qualifying scheduled at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 15, followed by rounds at the Red Bull Ring on June 29, Silverstone on July 6, and other classic venues. With fresh upgrades expected, Tsunoda has a clear target as he looks to move up the field in Montreal and strengthen his position within Red Bull’s lineup.

Recent on-track battles have added excitement to the season, including the well-noted Verstappen-Russell clash that highlighted the intensity between title contenders.

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.