BREAKING: Disqualification! Verstappen Defends Tsunoda After

Verstappen Defends Tsunoda After Qualifying Disaster: ‘He’s No Pancake'”

In a surprising twist at the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has jumped to the defence of his under-fire Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda following a dismal qualifying session that has added fuel to speculation over the Japanese driver’s future.

Tsunoda’s Q1 exit on Saturday shocked both fans and the driver himself, who radioed in confusion, believing his lap had been clean. Yet the results painted a bleak picture — Tsunoda not only failed to make it out of the first session, but was also outpaced by rookie Franco Colapinto, who didn’t even complete the session due to a mechanical issue with his Alpine.

The poor performance has intensified concerns over Tsunoda’s ability to handle the notoriously tricky RB21, a car that already proved too much for Liam Lawson earlier in the season. With Red Bull now locked in a tightening constructors’ battle, just one point ahead of Ferrari, Tsunoda’s continued struggles could prove costly.

Despite the mounting criticism, Verstappen, the four-time world champion, was quick to back his teammate. Speaking to the press after the session in Barcelona, he said, “Yuki is no pancake,” in a quirky and unexpected show of support. While the phrase raised eyebrows, the message was clear — Verstappen believes the car, not the driver, is at fault.

Indeed, the reigning champion had his own struggles, failing to secure pole as McLaren pulled off a historic front-row lockout at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya — their first since 1998. Red Bull’s hopes that the FIA’s new flexi-wing technical directive would slow McLaren were dashed, as the British team continues to gain momentum.

The Spanish circuit, where pole-sitters have gone on to win 24 out of the past 34 races, is unforgiving for those starting further back. That leaves Verstappen with a tough challenge ahead, and Red Bull in a precarious position as they fight to maintain their narrow lead in the championship.

With Tsunoda starting from the back and Red Bull’s grip on the constructors’ title loosening, all eyes will be on Barcelona this Sunday to see if the defending champions can stop their season from spiraling further.