Yuki Tsunoda out to end Monza horror show

Yuki Tsunoda is hoping this is the year his wretched run of Italian Grand Prix results comes to an end, and at a time when he needs it most with his F1 future on the line.

Tsunoda could not have asked for four worse outings, sparked by his first whilst an AlphaTauri driver in 2021. On that occasion, the Japanese driver collided with Robert Kubica in the sprint before failing to start the grand prix due to a brake failure.

A year later, an accumulation of penalties meant Tsunoda started at the back of the grid, going on to finish 14th.

In 2023, he remarkably again failed to start due to an engine failure on the formation lap, and then last year, he retired after just seven laps due to floor damage sustained from a collision with then Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg on the previous lap.

It is a catalogue of woe for Tsunoda, now with Red Bull, he wants to see the back of.

"I reset every year," he said, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365. "Although three out of four times I have had DNFs, with a lot of troubles, so I hope I don’t have that this year.

"I still enjoy this track a lot. Very challenging in terms of confidence. When you have confidence, you know you can do a quick lap.

"For the race, it’s quite a raceable track compared to others, so I’m still looking forward to it."

Tsunoda trying to exceed expectations

Tsunoda at least goes into the race on a positive note after ending a seven-race points drought by finishing ninth in the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday.

He was aided, however, by both Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, as well as the Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli, all retiring ahead of him.

Nevertheless, Tsunoda at least feels in a bouyant mood, especially believing his form has improved following the arrival of Laurent Mekies as team principal three races ago.

As to whether he is doing enough, or can do enough over the remaining nine races to secure his seat for next year, remains to be seen, especially with Isack Hadjar impressing superbly this season, notably in the last race at Zandvoort by becoming the fifth youngest driver in F1 history to secure a podium.

As to whether he still feels he has to impress Mekies and the team, he said: "That’s what I’m trying to do every race.

"You always need results as much as possible. I try to exceed expectations and just keep doing what I’m doing.

"I don’t think I have to change much. Since Laurent joined, actually, my results haven’t been too bad.

"Obviously, whether it’s enough or not, that’s not for me to decide. But I just keep pushing."