Yuki Tsunoda not expecting 'truth' from Max Verstappen about Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda is not expecting Max Verstappen to tell him "the truth" about this year's problematic Red Bull should he ask the four-time F1 champion for advice.

After four years learning his craft and waiting in the wings with the 'sister' team, Tsunoda was last week finally handed a promotion he had long craved by replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull. The New Zealander has been demoted back to Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda's enthusiasm has been sent soaring by the fact his debut for Red Bull will be at his home race in Japan this weekend but a major question mark hangs over the performance he will be able to deliver after Lawson's struggles with the RB21 over the first two races in Australia and China.

Asked whether he had sought out Verstappen for advice on how to handle the car, or whether he had tapped into his data, Tsunoda said: "Not really, to be honest.

"I think even if I tap on his shoulder and ask about the car, I don't think he is going to say the truth.

"I will kind of discover myself, in the data, how he's driving, also on board. Obviously, I've already checked multiple videos of him, the last two grands prix, how he's driving."

Verstappen will still not be asked

Since learning of his promotion, Tsunoda has at least undertaken several simulator sessions to become accustomed to its quirks ahead of hitting the Suzuka circuit.

The RB21 has so far become renowned for its balance issues, resulting in Lawson's qualifying failures in Australia and China, and which even Verstappen has struggled with so far.

From what he has experienced in the simulator, Tsunoda added: "I didn't feel the trickiness yet about the car.

"I'll feel myself, and I'm sure it also depends on driving style, it will behave a little bit differently. Once I feel the car, and with my five years experience I believe I will give some ideas to sort it out.

"If I really struggle....no, I still don't think I'll ask him [Verstappen]. I'll just discover with my engineers. They've been very helpful so far and have already given some ideas as to what are the characteristics that are giving the drivers less confidence.

"All the information is already stuck into my head, it's pretty clear, so now I just need to see how it goes after FP1."