Photo: RacePictures.

Tsunoda optimistic despite being outpaced by teammate Verstappen

13:49, 06 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Yuki Tsunoda has been comprehensively beaten by Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen this season, but the Japanese driver is confident he's moving in the right direction.

"I think Q3 is there, points are there, so at least I'm in the right direction."

- Yuki Tsunoda

Tsunoda was brought into the Red Bull team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix this year, replacing Liam Lawson after two rounds.

Since then, Tsunoda has only scored points at five events. However, the Red Bull driver feels he's made steps forward after the summer break and hasn't yet discussed the future with Helmut Marko.

Tsunoda said on Thursday in Singapore: "I didn't talk with Helmut really or even anyone at Red Bull, but, for me, the target is clear.

"Well, the thing I have to do is quite clear, you know. I've just shown those things, I guess, one race so far. At least, well, especially good ones like P6. But so far, as soon as I came here for the second half of the season, I think Q3 is there, points are there, so at least I'm in the right direction."

Tsunoda in the Singapore paddock - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Tsunda is yet to score a top-five finish this year but came close in Azerbaijan, finishing in sixth place.

The Japanese driver was pleased with the result in Baku and that there were not many fortunate circumstances to benefit from.

He added: "I'll just keep what I'm doing. I think I obviously want to have more, but I believe those things will come with my efforts and also how well I can put it all together.

"I think confidence and understanding about the car, those things, it starts getting better and better, and I just have to put it all together.

"I think it's definitely in the right direction, and what I got in that race was slightly different to others. For me, other races were a bit more coming from, luck, but I feel like that race I just got that P6 without any luck or anything."

Tsunoda failed to make Q3 in Singapore

Tsunoda endured a difficult weekend in Singapore as he failed to make the top 10 shootout for Red Bull.

The Japanese driver was classified in 15th place in qualifying before Tsunoda eventually moved up to 12th place in the Grand Prix.

Tsunoda struggled with a lack of grip over a single lap, which hindered the Red Bull driver's race weekend.

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