Yuki Tsunoda hints at Red Bull breakthrough: 'Now it makes sense'

Yuki Tsunoda has suggested he has uncovered a breakthrough with the Red Bull RB21 following Friday practice in Baku.

The Japanese driver has struggled for form since joining the team earlier in the year, scoring just seven points in that time.

It has led to suggestions the 25-year-old could be facing the exit door at Red Bull come the end of the campaign, in favour of Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar.

As he drives to save his seat, Tsunoda ended the second practice session in Baku in 13th place.

While he conceded he needs to work on his one-lap pace, Tsunoda hinted he has made a step forward in the high-fuel long runs.

“It was good,” Tsunoda said, reflecting on the day. “Short runs, there is some room to put it all together.

“It’s something that I tried, something that we’re experiencing in FP2 and everything.

“But mainly, what we’re focusing on was the long run. That seems a lot better. I’ve never seen these things so far this year in the long runs.

“So far, it’s working. Now it makes sense.”

Tsunoda has only made Q3 twice in the last 10 rounds, severely denting his quest to score points.

As he goes in hunt of a season-best result in Baku, Tsunoda understands a strong qualifying result will go far in his quest.

“Here [Baku] is always [about] confidence in the braking,” he said. “I have to focus more on the short run.

“It’s getting there, lap by lap. Just building it up throughout the weekend.

“It’s a good direction, the main thing that was positive was the long run. Keep it positive and see what I can do tomorrow.”