Back-to-back wins in Monza and Baku have thrust Max Verstappen back into the Championship conversation. The Dutchman trails Oscar Piastri by 69 points. The gap is big, but on paper, Verstappen can still catch up to his McLaren rival.
Red Bull, however, needs to find a reliable partner for Verstappen to mount a stronger challenge for the Constructors’ Championship. Yuki Tsunoda has failed to live up to expectations so far, but Verstappen believes Red Bull upgrades will benefit him.
What Did Max Verstappen Say in Support of Yuki Tsunoda Through Red Bull Difficulties?
According to Verstappen, a steadier set-up with Red Bull’s unpredictable RB21 may prove a game-changer for Tsunoda. Since moving up from Racing Bulls ahead of the third round, Tsunoda has struggled to make an impact. He came into Baku with only 12 points and a barren 11-race streak.
Red Bull’s latest floor upgrade appeared to pay instant dividends at Monza, where Verstappen stormed from pole to victory. Tsunoda, however, was denied the same upgrade.
The 25-year-old’s patience was rewarded in Baku. With the new floor beneath him, he started and finished P6, his best result of the season, to climb up two places in the drivers’ standings.
The race also saw Verstappen pulling off another pole-to-win drive, keeping his title hopes alive. Even so, he lags 69 points behind Piastri, though 199 are still up for grabs.
“I think throughout the season, we have been going a bit left and right with the setup. I feel like maybe we’re now starting to be a bit more stable with the behaviour of the car. And I hope that that will help both of the drivers,” he said after the race.
“Because it’s not always easy to jump in the car when it’s a bit unpredictable, or not doing what you want. Then, with the field being so close, one or two-tenths between us, you can be out in Q1 or Q2,” Verstappen continued.
The Dutchman insists the new parts will prove valuable for Tsunoda as well, even as the Japanese driver awaits clarity over his future with the team.
“It’s a very, very competitive field at the moment. So, hopefully now the coming races, the car being in a more stable window, will help both drivers,” he added.
Despite the solid result in Baku, the pressure on Tsunoda is still mounting. He enters the next three rounds with almost no margin for error. A single Q1 exit or a finish outside the points could severely damage his Red Bull prospects.
