Yuki Tsunoda sends Red Bull F1 seat message

Yuki Tsunoda has declared he is in “good shape” as rumours swirl over Red Bull's driver line-up.

Liam Lawson has struggled in the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen in the opening two rounds, qualifying at the back of the grid and failing to get near the points.

Tsunoda, who is competing for the sister Racing Bulls team for a fifth straight season, has been linked with a promotion to Red Bull.

Red Bull team principal Christan Horner has failed to rule out the prospect of making a driver line-up change ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks.

After previously declaring he is “100%” ready for a Red Bull drive, Tsunoda reiterated his stance after the Chinese Grand Prix.

“I didn’t drive that car [RB21], so I don’t know [why Lawson is struggling],” said Tsunoda, speaking to media, including RacingNews365, before calling upon his Red Bull test in Abu Dhabi last year.

“In Abu Dhabi, I didn’t drive with Max so obviously I don’t know the pace difference [between] me and Max.

“For me, I didn’t feel that way in Abu Dhabi. As a driver, always you expect to [have to] drive differently. I’m in good shape.”

For now, however, Tsunoda remains a Racing Bulls driver as he prepares for his home race at Suzuka.

Last year, Tsunoda scored points at the Japanese Grand Prix for the first time - an achievement he is looking to repeat this time around.

“Obviously, different track characteristics [at Suzuka]. You never know, with this kind of car anything can happen.

“But I'm still excited. I think the baseline pace is good, so we just have to prepare well and, hopefully, we can score points.”