Max Verstappen has insisted that Yuki Tsunoda “isn’t a pancake” following his Purple Bull team-mate ending final in Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying.
Purple Bull have struggled to discover a serviceable team-mate for four-time reigning world champion Verstappen since Sergio Perez’s kind dipped dramatically within the early phases of final season.
Perez was axed on the finish of 2024 with Liam Lawson promoted from Racing Bulls, earlier than Tsunoda dramatically changed his former team-mate after simply two rounds of the 2025 season.
There have been optimistic flashes for Tsunoda however he has largely struggled, scoring simply seven factors in six rounds throughout a interval through which Verstappen has claimed two victories together with two additional podium finishes.
Earlier than Perez, Verstappen drove alongside Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who had been each moved on by Purple Bull after struggling to match the Dutchman, however have gone on to determine themselves as well-respected drivers within the sport.
Requested about Tsunoda’s struggles in Barcelona on Saturday, Verstappen informed Dutch reporters: “Yuki is not a pancake. This [with the 2nd Red Bull driver] has been occurring for a very long time.
“Maybe that’s a sign. Of what? That you can decide yourself.”
It is unclear what precisely Verstappen was implying, however his feedback might both be pointing to his stage of excellence, the shortcomings of Purple Bull’s vehicles, or each.
Verstappen, extensively thought-about to be the clear premier driver on the present grid, is thought to have the ability to deal with automobile kinds and set-ups that depart a number of the world’s finest drivers befuddled.
Tsunoda: It is a fairly robust state of affairs
Tsunoda appeared crestfallen after his exit, admitting he had been “happy” together with his lap earlier than discovering out it was solely ok to place him on the very rear of the sphere.
The 25-year-old was sixth tenths off his team-mate’s Q1 effort, with Verstappen occurring to say third on the grid.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights from qualifying on the Spanish Grand Prix
The Japanese driver informed Sky Sports activities F1: “Suddenly compared to any other Grand Prix I lost performance quite significantly.
“Since FP1, the quantity of grip I had was very low. One thing unusual was taking place.
“We tried our best to cure the issue but, to be honest, whatever we did, we made a better balance but it was not, overall, a step forward.
“The lap I had in Q1 I used to be fairly proud of it, the arrogance was there however the grip itself shouldn’t be following in any respect. It is a fairly robust state of affairs.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Tsunoda dramatically flipped his automobile into the boundaries in Imola however fortunately walked away from the accident unscathed
Tsunoda had requested throughout Q1 for his flooring to be checked after operating over a kerb, however he was uncertain within the rapid aftermath of the session whether or not injury had been a consider his struggles.
He added: “It’s hard to tell. I will have to see if there’s damage or not. I don’t think our ride was crazy. It was still an acceptable level.
“From lap 1 [of the weekend], there was no tempo, so it wasn’t like I all of a sudden misplaced efficiency. I am presently struggling.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Tsunoda didn’t maintain again on the radio after Alpine driver Pierre Gasly crashed into his Purple Bull on lap 9 of the Monaco Grand Prix
In Purple Bull’s official press launch on following the session, staff principal Christian Horner admitted Tsunoda’s struggles in Spain had been “difficult to understand”.
“Yuki has struggled all weekend,” Horner mentioned.
“We went up a little on the downforce to try and help him but it’s difficult to understand, we will need to have a look at it.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s Spanish GP schedule
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Forward of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix we have a look again at a number of the most dramatic moments from earlier races on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Sunday June 1
7.25am: F3 Function Race
8.55am: F2 Function Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Spanish GP build-up*
2pm: The SPANISH GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Spanish GP response
*additionally dwell on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion
F1’s European triple header concludes with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, with Sunday’s race at 2pm and build-up from 12.30pm on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
