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.
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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 happening for a very long time.
“Possibly that is an indication. Of what? That you could resolve your self.”
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Purple Bull’s Tsunoda and Williams driver Carlos Sainz each suffered early exits throughout qualifying in Spain
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 automobiles, 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 types and set-ups that go away a few 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 “joyful” along 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 happening to say third on the grid.
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Highlights from qualifying on the Spanish Grand Prix
The Japanese driver informed Sky Sports activities F1: “All of the sudden in comparison with every other Grand Prix I misplaced efficiency fairly considerably.
“Since FP1, the quantity of grip I had was very low. One thing unusual was taking place.
“We tried our greatest to treatment the problem however, to be sincere, no matter we did, we made a greater steadiness however it was not, general, a step ahead.
“The lap I had in Q1 I used to be fairly proud of it, the boldness was there however the grip itself isn’t following in any respect. It is a fairly robust state of affairs.”
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Tsunoda dramatically flipped his automobile into the obstacles in Imola however fortunately walked away from the accident unscathed
Tsunoda had requested throughout Q1 for his flooring to be checked after working over a kerb, however he was not sure within the quick aftermath of the session whether or not injury had been a think about his struggles.
He added: “It is laborious to inform. I must see if there’s injury or not. I do not assume our trip was loopy. It was nonetheless an appropriate stage.
“From lap 1 [of the weekend], there was no tempo, so it wasn’t like I all of a sudden misplaced efficiency. I am at present struggling.”
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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, crew principal Christian Horner admitted Tsunoda’s struggles in Spain had been “obscure”.
“Yuki has struggled all weekend,” Horner mentioned.
“We went up just a little on the downforce to try to assist him however it’s obscure, we are going to want to take a look at it.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s Spanish GP schedule
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Forward of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix we have a look again at a few 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 reside on Sky Sports activities Predominant 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
