Yuki Tsunoda approached the 2025 British Grand Prix with renewed optimism, buoyed by encouraging pace through practice and early qualifying. But just as the Red Bull driver looked poised to secure a spot in Q3 at Silverstone, an unexpected power unit issue during his crucial final lap in Q2 left him deeply frustrated, turning what could have been a breakthrough session into yet another case of what might have been.
The Japanese driver has faced mounting pressure throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season, with speculation swirling about his future in the Red Bull camp. Silverstone, however, offered signs of progress: the RB21 finally felt competitive, and Tsunoda was determined to prove his critics wrong. Yet when the moment arrived to deliver, a sudden loss of power dashed his Q3 ambitions.
“I lost the power, to be honest,” Tsunoda admitted the press, including Total-Motorsport.com, in the Silverstone paddock. “I started with the lap, launching into the last corner, the power I normally get—I didn’t have it. I lost about a tenth in Turn 3, just from that lap time until the main straight.
“And a couple of acceleration boosts that was not working in the last push. So, considering that, the lap was pretty good. And how tight it was… I think most likely I was going through to Q3. So, really annoying. Q3 was possible.”
The margins in modern F1 are unforgiving, and Tsunoda’s deficit—a single tenth—proved the difference between breaking into the top ten and an eleventh-place starting slot for Sunday’s race. The Red Bull driver’s comments reflected both pride in the team’s progress and exasperation with the timing of the technical gremlin.
“Really happy with the progress I’ve had. I think this was the cleanest race weekend we’ve had so far. The confidence and everything… Car felt good in qualifying. Every time, there’s something I get in the last push. Well, it’s not always the last push, but this time it was the last push, when it counts. It’s annoying. And to be honest, like I said—without that, I would’ve gone through to Q3. So yeah, that’s annoying.”
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Red Bull Support and Tsunoda’s Mindset
Despite his disappointment, Tsunoda was quick to acknowledge the effort the Red Bull team had put in to help him rebuild his confidence after a string of challenging results.
“The team gave massive support for me to gain that confidence back again,” Tsunoda said. “And it was working. Until qualifying, in terms of preparation, everything went well. Just the last push, you know, the power thing, it’s not a thing I can control. Really, really annoying.”
The 2025 season has been turbulent for Tsunoda. After starting 18th in Austria and finishing 16th, simply starting 11th at Silverstone marks a step forward. Now, with the RB21 showing more potential and Tsunoda’s own confidence growing, a points finish at the British Grand Prix is within reach.
“At least I’m not starting P18… closer to the points,” Tsunoda said. “So, you know, that helps. I’m looking forward to the race. It’s been a while since I scored points, to be honest. Last time I scored… I don’t remember. So, I have to score points and make the team happy. So, it’s probably still going to be a tough race, but at least we made a couple of steps that I think I can do.”
For Tsunoda, Silverstone’s qualifying disappointment is not the end of the story. He remains focused on redemption, both for himself and his team, and sees opportunity ahead—if the machinery holds together.
“I know what to do better going into the race as well,” Tsunoda added. “So, I’m still being optimistic. But I don’t think you’ve seen the full picture yet. And at the same time, still—there are a couple of bits and bobs of it, you know. I know there’s something to come from the car as well. So… coming races, let’s say, so let’s see.”
Sunday’s race will put that optimism to the test, as Tsunoda looks to put the disappointment of qualifying behind him and chase the points finish that both he and Red Bull need.
