Yuki Tsunoda has come under fire after highly anticipated debut for Red Bull at the 2025 Japanese GP ended in frustration, as the home favourite failed to reach Q3 at Suzuka, sparking strong criticism from 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve.
Having replaced Liam Lawson just two races into the season, Tsunoda stepped up from Red Bull’s junior Racing Bulls team to partner Max Verstappen, and expectations were sky high, particularly with his promotion arriving just in time for his home race in Suzuka.
But after showing solid pace in practice, Tsunoda could only manage 15th in qualifying at the Japanese GP, while Verstappen soared to pole position.
With Carlos Sainz receiving a post-qualifying grid penalty for impeding Lewis Hamilton, Tsunoda will move up to 14th, but the damage was already be done.
Villeneuve critical of set-up and qualifying pace
Villeneuve, speaking on Sky Sports F1, didn’t hold back when evaluating Tsunoda’s disappointing showing in Qualifying for the Japanese GP.
“No, and he’s half a second behind Verstappen. That’s not good enough,” Villeneuve said. “At least it’s out of Q1, but it’s not what they were wanting. And he was looking a lot better all through the weekend.”
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
Tsunoda had trailed Verstappen by just three-tenths through the earlier practice sessions, but that gap widened during Q2, leaving Tsunoda as the slowest in the session and a position behind the man he replaced — Lawson — who impressed in P13 for Racing Bulls.
Villeneuve suggested the issue may have been linked to Tsunoda’s car setup, specifically his choice to run with a higher downforce configuration that would benefit race pace but compromise qualifying performance.
“I think he’s paying the price for his set-up choice at this point with a very high downforce,” said Villeneuve. “Which might help him in the race to save the tyres, but he won’t have any straight-line speed.”
When asked if he could understand the decision, Villeneuve responded bluntly: “No. Maybe lack of experience.”
Pressure mounts heading into Japanese GP
Tsunoda’s weekend had started positively, with early indications suggesting he was adapting well to the RB21. But qualifying results ultimately matter, especially at Red Bull where internal competition is fierce and driver performance is constantly under review.
With Verstappen’s dominant pole lap reminding everyone of the team’s standards, Tsunoda’s Q2 exit highlighted the gap he must close.
The Japanese driver will now hope that Sunday’s race — which could be affected by rain — offers an opportunity to bounce back. The weather, along with a tyre-friendly setup, might work in his favour over the longer stint.
But even with those advantages, Tsunoda’s underwhelming debut at Red Bull has drawn criticism, and expectations for improvement will be immediate.
