Tsunoda and Verstappen agree on crisis upgrade at Red Bull
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Co-author:Sienna Ionta
Marnik Kok caught the Formula 1 world around twenty years ago. A deep passion for motorsport, Ferrari, and a background in journalism led him to contribute to various (international) F1 platforms. Since 2020, Marnik has been active as an editor and journalist in the pinnacle of motorsport for several media outlets, including De Telegraaf. As of 2025, he brings that experience to GPblog as a seasoned editor.
During his active years as a journalist — now working as a freelancer — Marnik attended numerous events, with the Dutch Grand Prix standing out as one of the highlights. In addition to his work at GPblog, Marnik is also active in the communications sector at a major national provider and steps in wherever needed. Sitting still is not an option — especially not in motorsport!
Yuki Tsunoda was unable to progress beyond Q1 in qualifying, this time at the Red Bull Ring, his team's home circuit. He agrees with Verstappen on the upgrades, the balance, and the issues.
From Austria, Verstappen expressed his disappointment with the qualifying result, stating the upgrades were worse than expected. He will start from the seventh position after a fiasco on home ground.
Tsunoda is even worse off. He starts almost at the back. "Very frustrating," he said right after the qualification to GPBlog among others. "I could have done better today, but the balance felt completely different than in the earlier sessions."
Verstappen and Tsunoda united
When asked where the balance is off, he aligns with Verstappen: everywhere.
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Yet, he sees progress, despite the mediocre performances in the recent races and qualifications for Red Bull. "I think I have shown that in the last sessions. I feel more comfortable with each Grand Prix, and there is potential in it."
"But yes, I can't get that potential out in the qualifications. I don't know how to perform on Saturday, there are several reasons for that. Very frustrating."
Max Verstappen driving during the 2025 Austrian GP qualifying
High Expectations from Tsunoda
"I expected at least Q3 today," Tsunoda said hopefully after the dramatic qualification. "The car felt good, the pushes felt good. I feel confident, and the confidence is there. We are definitely heading in the right direction."
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"The car is trickier, but it's not that it's undrivable," he concludes, pointing to the difficult Red Bull vehicle, especially at the Red Bull Ring after qualifying.
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