By:
Filip Cleeren
Max Verstappen has also been asked about it all, and while he didn’t want to say exactly how he felt about the swap decision – it’s been understood he disagreed with it – the Dutchman reiterated Red Bull’s biggest problem is its recalcitrant car, not its second driver.
“I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be. Everyone knows that within the team as well and that’s what I focus on, to be honest. Because as soon as the car is more competitive and more drivable in general, then I think even in the second car it will come to you anyway a bit more naturally.”
Naturally all eyes will be on Yuki Tsunoda as he gets his Red Bull nod in front of his home fans, and Honda’s executives.
It is quite the baptism of fire for the young man, having never driven the Red Bull BR21 before. But with his longer term F1 future unclear, this was his only chance to reach his goal of driving for the main team, so he will take it.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson is demoted back to Racing Bulls and will be hoping to prove a few people wrong.
Most drivers our guys on the ground spoke to yesterday had sympathy for Lawson’s predicament, especially those who have previous experience being part of Red Bull’s ruthless programme.
I’m Fil and I will be taking you through the action today, while our reporters Jake Boxall-Legge, Mark Mann-Bryans and Erwin Jaeggi are on the ground bringing us the latest nuggets from the paddock.
It’s Suzuka, one of the world’s great circuits, so that has made getting up at this unholy hour a little easier to digest.
Welcome
Good morning, or konnichiwa. Welcome to our liveblog as we get ready for first free practice at Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen has also been asked about it all, and while he didn’t want to say exactly how he felt about the swap decision – it’s been understood he disagreed with it – the Dutchman reiterated Red Bull’s biggest problem is its recalcitrant car, not its second driver.
“I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be. Everyone knows that within the team as well and that’s what I focus on, to be honest. Because as soon as the car is more competitive and more drivable in general, then I think even in the second car it will come to you anyway a bit more naturally.”
Naturally all eyes will be on Yuki Tsunoda as he gets his Red Bull nod in front of his home fans, and Honda’s executives.
It is quite the baptism of fire for the young man, having never driven the Red Bull BR21 before. But with his longer term F1 future unclear, this was his only chance to reach his goal of driving for the main team, so he will take it.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson is demoted back to Racing Bulls and will be hoping to prove a few people wrong.
Most drivers our guys on the ground spoke to yesterday had sympathy for Lawson’s predicament, especially those who have previous experience being part of Red Bull’s ruthless programme.
I’m Fil and I will be taking you through the action today, while our reporters Jake Boxall-Legge, Mark Mann-Bryans and Erwin Jaeggi are on the ground bringing us the latest nuggets from the paddock.
It’s Suzuka, one of the world’s great circuits, so that has made getting up at this unholy hour a little easier to digest.
Welcome
Good morning, or konnichiwa. Welcome to our liveblog as we get ready for first free practice at Formula 1’s Japanese Grand Prix.
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