JUST IN: Explosive Ricciardo Clash Triggers Shocking Shake-Up for Red Bull’s S…read more
JUST IN: Explosive Ricciardo Clash Triggers Shocking Shake-Up for Red Bull’s S…read more
Yuki Tsunoda, now promoted to Red Bull Racing, has revealed that a tense interaction with Daniel Ricciardo played a crucial role in reshaping his professional mindset.
Tsunoda and Ricciardo were once teammates at Red Bull’s junior F1 team, Racing Bulls. However, Ricciardo’s tenure was cut short midway through the 2024 season when he was replaced by Liam Lawson. From then on, Tsunoda and Lawson competed for dominance for the rest of the season. Despite Tsunoda’s four years of F1 experience, it was Lawson who initially secured the sought-after Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 season, replacing Sergio Perez.
However, Red Bull’s choice quickly became contentious, prompting Christian Horner and Helmut Marko to reconsider. In a controversial shake-up, Lawson was reassigned to Racing Bulls, and Tsunoda was finally granted the opportunity to race alongside Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
Tsunoda Acknowledges Ricciardo Clash Led to Attitude Adjustment
Tsunoda has long been known for his intense racing style and fiery temperament, often making headlines for his candid, sometimes expletive-laden radio communications. His passionate approach was particularly evident at the 2024 season opener, where tensions with Ricciardo reached a boiling point.
During the Bahrain Grand Prix, team orders required Tsunoda to let Ricciardo pass in an effort to secure a points finish. Unfortunately, the strategy didn’t pay off, leaving both drivers outside the top ten. As they returned to the pits, a visibly frustrated Tsunoda aggressively maneuvered toward Ricciardo before sarcastically remarking over the radio, “Yeah, thanks guys… I appreciate it.”
Ricciardo, known for his calm and charismatic demeanor, was reportedly unimpressed with Tsunoda’s reaction. The incident prompted discussions within the team, and Ricciardo later advised Tsunoda on the importance of composure and professionalism. Red Bull’s leadership, including Horner and Marko, reinforced this message, urging Tsunoda to refine his attitude if he wanted to advance his career.
Looking back on the incident, Tsunoda admitted that he let his emotions take control and realized the importance of self-discipline. “I’ve always been passionate, but I now understand that maintaining composure is just as crucial as raw speed,” he shared in a recent interview. “Daniel sets a great example, and I’ve learned a lot from observing how he handles high-pressure situations.”
This shift in mindset played a pivotal role in Red Bull’s decision to promote Tsunoda. As he gears up to partner Verstappen, the Japanese driver is determined to showcase his growth both on and off the track.
With a fresh outlook and a seat at one of Formula 1’s most dominant teams, the pressure is on Tsunoda to prove himself and cement his place at Red Bull Racing.
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