F1 News
Tsunoda: Not ranting on radio harder than g-force driving an F1 car
Now contesting his fourth top-flight season, Tsunoda has gained a reputation for airing his emotions in public via punchy, sometimes expletive-filled team radio messages.
He opened up about “getting heating moments in my brain” in response to a pitwall call to fall behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, which he initially refused, in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix last month.
But the Japanese racer acknowledged this is an area “I have to improve, for sure… mainly focusing on those self-controllers” as he attempts to put himself in contention to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull from next year.
This was put to the test in the following Saudi Arabia race, during which Haas racer Kevin Magnussen was found to have illegally overtaken Tsunoda off the track before then holding up the RB driver to help team-mate Nico Hulkenberg bank a point in 10th.
Tsunoda reckoned this situation was a good test of his resolve, saying: “I’m very pleased how I handled [it].
Yuki Tsunoda, RB F1 Team
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“I would say if it's normal for me [to] press the radio and something I would say like usual me. But at the same time, I want to change myself. So, I'm pleased that I'm able to prove that a little bit, that first step.”
Tsunoda added that while he kept off the team radio, he was still stressed out: “Obviously to continue that is always more difficult, but that's what I aim for and that's what I have to do. But it wasn't easy, obviously, even in my helmet, I was chewing my tongue like hell.”
Given the restraint required, Tsunoda said that staying off team radio required more energy than expected - even more than what it takes to race an F1 car.
He continued: “I didn't know that [not using team radio], actually, this would take a lot of energy. More than I use for the neck or G-force, to hold on my stress.
“I'm sure it will take more time to kind of get used to it. But at least for the first time, probably I achieved this and I'm sure I can continue this as well.”
-
F1 News21h ago
Honda 2026 F1 project going "to plan" with electrical power initial focus
-
F1 News1d ago
RB insists Ricciardo “absolutely” still able to deliver at his best in F1
-
F1 News1d ago
McLaren Miami F1 upgrades "not as big" as major 2023 packages
-
F1 News1d ago
Horner: F1 listened and reacted to 'Frankenstein car' concerns
-
F1 News1d ago
Wolff trusts Hamilton to remain "a pro" despite Mercedes F1 hardship
-
F1 News1d ago
Cost cap “inequities” have triggered F1’s divided grid, says Szafnauer
-
F1 News2d ago
Hulkenberg's China sprint shows Haas "not completely out" of tyre issues
-
F1 News2d ago
Honda surprised by "unbelievable" Red Bull 2024 F1 car changes