Yuki Tsunoda in Baku - Photo: Race Pictures

Tsunoda eyes positives despite 'package differences' with Verstappen

20:06, 18 Sep

Updated: 20:35, 18 Sep

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byTobia Elia

Yuki Tsunoda believes he has made progress in recent races compared to his teammate despite 'package differences'.

Yuki Tsunoda arrives in Baku paddock - Photo: Race Pictures

When asked in Baku whether he feels close to a breakthrough now that several races have passed, Tsunoda replied that he is working hard with himself and the team to get to the bottom of the problems.

“We as a team worked hard to understand what's going on. The main issue called in the long run pace and actually in free practice, the things that we experienced are things that even the team kind of experienced.

The Japanese driver believes he still needs to work on his race pace, while he feels he has come much closer to his teammate on a single lap, despite highlighting package differences between the two cars.

“That's the main thing, that's what we're struggling at. In terms of short run, I'm very happy with it. I think the team is very happy.

"It's clear that I'm showing that I'm raising my risk, I'm getting close to Max. Even though there's package differences, I was consistently behind Max in qualifying by two tenths.

“Apart from Q3 in Monza, where I was leading the pack, I think that definitely showed well and definitely people are noticing in the team.

He concluded: “What I'm just liking, I'm working really, really hard also on my side and also to understand from their side as well for a long run to put it all together.

"Every race I'm experiencing a new thing and going through something. There are a lot of things that you can explain, but try a lot of things to make it work and enjoy this process.”

Tsunoda's signs of improvement in recent races

Yuki Tsunoda returned from the summer break with a ninth-place finish at Zandvoort, marking his first points since the Miami GP last May.

At Monza, the Japanese driver also seemed set for a points finish after an encouraging ninth place in qualifying, even though his teammate had secured pole.

However, a collision with Liam Lawson during the race compromised his chances of scoring points, and he finished in thirteenth.

See our latest F1 paddock update video from Baku below!