Tsunoda questions ‘background’ reasons for Red Bull F1 snub

Yuki Tsunoda has suggested “background“ reasons are behind his lack of opportunities at the Red Bull team.

Tsunoda is currently in his fourth season at the sister RB squad but has been linked to a Red Bull drive for next year in place of a struggling Sergio Perez.

The Japanese driver has never tested a Red Bull car during his career, despite being associated with the Milton Keynes-based team since 2019.

When questioned if he is surprised he has not yet had a chance to jump behind the wheel of a Red Bull, Tsunoda told media including RacingNews365: “If you ask that in my second year or third year, I’d be very surprised. 

“But I'm getting used to how difficult it is to get even a single-day test [for someone] who has outperformed most of the teammates in previous years.

“There are probably some things I didn't know going on in the background that I didn't know.

“At the same, I've probably not improved as much as much as they want at this level, especially radio communications.”

Tsunoda confident over Abu Dhabi F1 test drive

Honda, who has backed Tsunoda for some time, has been pushing Red Bull to grant the 24-year-old a drive at the post-season test from Abu Dhabi.

Having not had the chance to prove himself in Red Bull machinery as of yet, Tsunoda hinted that could change at the end of the season.

“I think that things will happen,” Tsunoda said when asked about the Abu Dhabi test. 

“With Red Bull Racing things, you just never know until that day. I’m just focused on what I have to do now.

“It’s a very good opportunity. At least finally, I can show a bit of my driving and they can see how I’m driving. It's very important. 

“It feels great, finally giving me an opportunity - I don't know if it still happens or not - but there’s something I heard from them directly. I’ll try to maximise my opportunity.”