Despite Yuki Tsunoda’s Saudi smash, Christian Horner hails his progress

Christian Horner reckons Yuki Tsunoda is “making progress” – despite the Japanese driver’s crash during second practice in the Saudi Arabian GP.

Tsunoda crashed heavily with nine minutes remaining and immediately took the blame, saying he ‘turned too much’ in the final corner.

Tsunoda, who climbed out unhurt and soon apologised to his team, who will undertake a lengthy repair job on Friday night.

Red Bull boss Horner was quick to play down the incident with Tusnoda, who is driving his second GP for the team after replacing the luckless Liam Lawson.

He said: “It [the crash] started with the left front and then he hit the right front, so he’s done the front suspension and the front wing. We hope the floor will be okay.

“He was on a long run. He’s made a mistake, but up until that point he’s driven very well so you can see his confidence is coming, his times are starting to come so it’s good to see the number 22 car making progress.

“He had a sensible first session. His short runs were good and it was just a shame he’s had that moment, but it shows they’re all pushing.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s advisor Helmut Marko said the crash was “unlucky” and that Tsunoda’s speed was encouraging, however, he was baffled that the error happened on a long run rather than a qualifying lap.

He added: “On a single lap, he was driving with a different set-up on purpose so we see which direction to go.

“I think that was unlucky, he hit the wall on the inside and then he was just a passenger. I hope it’s not too much damage. The speed is OK, the crash is unlucky.

“I would say the crash would be more expected on a qualifying lap than on a long run. We have to talk to him.”