Tsunoda begins crucial Red Bull test at Silverstone as part of accelerated integration plan – Yuki Tsunoda’s transition to Red Bull Racing enters a new phase this week as the Japanese driver prepares to take part in a private test at Silverstone behind the wheel of the dominant RB19. The session, scheduled for Wednesday, is part of Formula One’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme and is designed to accelerate Tsunoda’s adaptation to the senior team following his recent promotion.
Tsunoda, who was promoted to Red Bull’s main squad after Liam Lawson’s early-season struggles led to his release, has made a promising but still formative start in his new environment. With just three races under his belt in Red Bull colours, the test is an invaluable opportunity for the 23-year-old to deepen his understanding of what’s required at the sharp end of the grid.
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The test in the RB19 follows a simulator session at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters on Tuesday and is part of a pre-planned development path designed to get Tsunoda up to speed in the fastest car on the grid. Red Bull insiders are keen to stress that this test was not triggered by Tsunoda’s recent results, but had been on the agenda since his promotion was finalised.
Having raced exclusively for the team now known as VCARB for the past four years, this is Tsunoda’s first taste of what it means to work within the structure of a championship-winning team. And the RB19 – the car that won 21 of 22 races in 2023 and delivered Max Verstappen’s third world championship – provides a unique benchmark against which Tsunoda can measure his own performance and adapt his driving style accordingly.
Driving the 2023 car, which remains one of the most successful single-seaters in F1 history, should help Tsunoda draw direct comparisons and identify the key differences between what he’s used to and what’s now expected of him at Red Bull. The RB21, while faster and more advanced, shares a fundamental DNA with its predecessor and time spent in the RB19 should provide valuable insights into Red Bull’s operational and aerodynamic philosophies.
A promising start, but work to be done
So far, Tsunoda’s performance in his new role has been a mixture of promise and learning. He made Q3 in two of the first three races and scored his first points for Red Bull in Bahrain, marking a strong start. However, a first lap collision with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in Jeddah abruptly ended what could have been another opportunity to score points. Heading into the Miami Grand Prix, Tsunoda has just two points to his name – a modest haul that doesn’t reflect the potential Red Bull sees in him.
Nevertheless, the team remain confident in their decision. Tsunoda has consistently shown flashes of raw speed, and his integration into the Red Bull ecosystem is seen as a medium-term investment. Red Bull are confident that once Tsunoda is fully acclimatised to the machinery and culture of a top-flight team, he will produce the kind of performances that justify his promotion.
An opportunity to benchmark against greatness
Perhaps the most important aspect of this test is the benchmarking opportunity it provides. By driving the RB19, Tsunoda will be able to compare his own efforts with those of Verstappen, whose data from 2023 remains the gold standard. It’s not just about matching lap times, but understanding the nuances of energy deployment, tyre management, corner entry technique and how to maximise the car’s efficiency at high speeds.
Tsunoda is well aware of the scale of the challenge – and the opportunity. Speaking ahead of the Silverstone test, he was clear about the road ahead: “This is the first time I’ve driven a completely different car. I’ve only driven for VCARB for the last four years, so this is the first time I’ve driven a car for a completely different team. I’m trying to exploit that and I know that if I can exploit that potential I can probably beat him. I know I can’t beat him straight away, so I’m just trying to build a good base and wait for the time when I’m fit.
It’s a bold statement, and one that underlines Tsunoda’s confidence in his own development. Beating Verstappen – who has now added a fourth world title to his resume – is an ambitious target, but in a high performance environment like Red Bull, ambition is not only welcomed, it’s expected.
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A steep learning curve with big rewards
The Red Bull environment is unforgiving, but immensely rewarding for those who can thrive in it. The team has never hesitated to promote or demote on the basis of performance, and Tsunoda knows what is at stake. But the private test at Silverstone signals the team’s intention to give him every tool to succeed. It’s a gesture of confidence and a reflection of the resources Red Bull are willing to commit to ensuring their drivers are fully integrated.
Unlike the current RB21, which is not available for private testing outside of official sessions due to F1 regulations, the RB19 allows Tsunoda to push without the pressure of a race weekend. He can experiment with different set-ups, simulate different fuel loads and push the limits without any immediate consequences. Every lap at Silverstone is a learning opportunity – a chance to hone the instincts that separate good drivers from great ones.
Looking ahead to Miami and beyond
The timing of the test is no coincidence. With the Miami Grand Prix just around the corner, Red Bull want Tsunoda to arrive in Florida not only prepared, but confident. The American race, with its challenging layout and unforgiving street circuit characteristics, is a demanding test for any driver. For someone still settling into a new team and car, arriving with extra mileage under his belt could be a crucial factor.
While the RB19 isn’t a perfect substitute for the RB21, the underlying dynamics and handling characteristics are close enough to serve as an important stepping stone. Tsunoda’s familiarity with Red Bull’s simulators, race engineers and now one of the team’s most successful cars will put him in a better position to deliver a performance that justifies the faith the team has placed in him.
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Born and raised in Austria, Dr. Marko completed his doctorate in law at the university of Graz before finding success I the late 1960’s in sportscar racing. He was a class winner in the 1970 24 hours of Le Mans before progressing to the premier class the following year to claim the win at the famous day/night endurance race alongside Gijs Van Lennep.
Just two months later he debuted for Bonnier in Formula One driving a privately run McLaren M7C. Such was his talent he was recruited by works outfit BRM the following year but he was seriously injured during the 1972 French Grand Prix when he was hit my debris from the March car of Ronnie Peterson which pierced his visor leaving him blind in one eye…. READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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