Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver for RB Formula 1 team, has disclosed that he has an advantage over his teammate Daniel Ricciardo in the areas of braking and slow-speed corners. Throughout the 2024 season, Tsunoda has outperformed his more experienced partner and has consistently qualified as the lead RB driver in all three rounds. In the Australian Grand Prix, he capitalized on a race filled with attrition, converting his eighth place on the grid into a seventh-place finish, securing the team’s first points of the season. On the other hand, Ricciardo had a disappointing home outing, being eliminated in Q1 due to a lap time violation and ultimately finishing in 12th place. Despite his efforts, Ricciardo was three-tenths slower than Tsunoda’s Q1 time, leaving him puzzled as to where he was losing time to his teammate. When asked about his ability to produce faster lap times, Tsunoda attributed his success to his confidence in braking, which he believes gives him an edge over his rival. Tsunoda acknowledged that while he initially struggles in the first two practice sessions, he and his team consistently make improvements overnight, allowing him to perform well. He also mentioned that Ricciardo’s driving style has changed from the previous year, making it challenging for him as well. However, Tsunoda believes that his strength lies in his braking ability, which he believes is superior to that of most other drivers. He is confident that by maximizing his performance in this area, he can continue to excel on the track.
In response to the suggestion that improved braking and initial corner rotation were the key factors, he stated: “I would agree. It’s like having more slow-speed corners.”
Tsunoda is currently in his fourth season in Formula 1 with the team based in Faenza, which underwent a rebranding during the winter in an effort to enhance its performance compared to previous years.
RB has welcomed several experienced additions, with Tsunoda highlighting the appointment of former long-serving Alpine Sporting Director Alan Permane as a brilliant decision.
“The team has changed quite a bit, but one thing that hasn’t changed much is the driver, at least myself,” Tsunoda remarked.
“I’ve been here for four years already and I want to be someone that the team can rely on, especially as a stable presence to help them move in the same direction or assist in their development by guiding them in the right way. This is based on my experience with the team over the past three years.
“At the same time, not much has changed for most of the people, such as the mechanics and engineers.
“Obviously, there have been significant changes at the top level. So, yes, there is still some time needed for us to adapt to those aspects, but at the same time, we are all working together very effectively so far.
“We are very pleased with Alan, and I believe that his wealth of experience and winning mindset is definitely benefiting us and motivating us to push even harder than in previous years. So, we are definitely on the right track.”