10/07/2025 09:15
Yuki Tsunoda has matched an unwanted 16-year-old Red Bull record by
becoming the first driver since Mark Webber in 2009 to go five
grands prix without scoring a point. The Japanese driver has
endured a horrific start to his career at Red Bull since being
promoted from Racing Bulls ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. In
the 10 grands prix he has entered for the Milton Keynes-based
outfit, he has collected just seven points. Tsunoda's last finish
in the top 10 came in Imola, where he finished in 10th. To add to
his woes, the Japanese driver has been eliminated in Q1 in three of
the last six events. Red Bull's second driver problems have not
been solved by Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson, to the extent that
Stake F1 has out-scored the Austrian outfit in the last four grands
prix. Tsunoda had to settle for 15th in the British Grand Prix,
matching Webber's 2009 record of five grands prix without a point –
the most of any Red Bull driver. The F1 point system was different
for Webber in 2009, when only the top eight drivers received
points. As has been the case for all of Max Verstappen's
team-mates since Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda has been significantly
slower than the Dutchman. Tsunoda failed to progress to Q3 at
Silverstone, whilst the four-time world champion delivered another
unbelievable qualifying lap to secure a surprise pole position. Red
Bull advisor Helmut Marko has insisted that a second driver change
will not take place; however, it remains to be seen how long the
team are prepared to deal with Tsunoda's struggles.
