Yuki Tsunoda Feels Like a Rookie Again Despite Solid Sprint Effort

Yuki Tsunoda, back in the Racing Bulls cockpit, remarked that he felt like a rookie all over again during his outing at the Dutch Grand Prix. The Japanese driver, filling in for Isack Hadjar who is out with a wrist injury, navigated the unfamiliar terrain of the 2026 cars with a mix of trepidation and excitement.

After receiving a last-minute call to race, Tsunoda, who had been serving as a test and reserve driver, found himself thrust back into competition. Despite the rain-soaked conditions of the first practice session where he finished 17th, he managed to improve to 12th in Sprint Qualifying, narrowly missing teammate Liam Lawson's time.

Reflecting on the day, Tsunoda admitted that the rain offered a more level playing field: "The rain made it surprising how much pace I had. It was a first for many of us with these cars." On dry tarmac, however, he noted the challenges: "Everything felt new—like brake pressure—so much has changed from previous years."

Recognizing the importance of strategy in Sprint Qualifying, Tsunoda emphasized the need for caution with the limited tyre sets available. "You don't want to damage the tyres right away," he noted, expressing satisfaction with his performance despite the hurdles.

His teammate Arvid Lindblad qualified 10th, highlighting the competitive nature within Racing Bulls. Team CEO Peter Bayer mentioned the approach to easing Tsunoda back into the fold, focusing his efforts on qualifying and race day.

The key, Tsunoda said, is adapting to the modified cars, which have lost significant downforce compared to the previous year's powerhouses. "Driving last year’s car, one of the fastest ever, was a thrill. This season's car, especially in high-speed corners, feels very different," he explained.

Tsunoda expressed a fondness for the learning curve, particularly on traditional tracks with limited run-off areas. "My main goal is to build session by session. Tomorrow’s Qualifying is crucial, and I’m eager for the long runs to gather data," he commented, clearly relishing the challenge ahead.