Yuki Tsunoda on perfect Max Verstappen tow: “It was stressful” – plus digs at Kimi Antonelli. Yuki Tsunoda reflects on his Abu Dhabi qualifying session.

Tsunoda has something for everyone: “Giving Verstappen the slipstream? Stressful” and, on Kimi Antonelli…

Yuki Tsunoda played a key role in Red Bull’s team game during Abu Dhabi qualifying, saying: “I gave a good slipstream to Verstappen, Antonelli destroyed my floor.” The Red Bull teamwork was evident in the final qualifying session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Tsunoda retraced his session, the tow he provided to Max Verstappen, and once again mentioned Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Japanese driver will start from tenth place, having set no time in Q3. Anything can happen in the race, and Milton Keynes is ready to rely on him if needed.

The final weekend of Yuki Tsunoda in Red Bull colours – and on the Formula 1 grid – delivered one last highlight for the Japanese driver. Although far from the pace of his teammate, the Sagamihara-born driver executed a strong strategic plan, giving Verstappen an extremely fast slipstream on the first Q3 attempt. Even though the Dutchman improved again on his next lap, the help provided by Yuki Tsunoda did not go unnoticed.

“They gave me a lot of compliments, I’m happy about that,” he revealed after the session. Praise also came from Helmut Marko who, speaking to ServusTV, did not hold back: “Yuki was incredible today. His slipstream was perfect. Things seem to be going well again.”

Tsunoda: “Floor replaced after contact with Kimi Antonelli”

While recounting his Saturday, Yuki Tsunoda admitted he had to fit an older floor specification after the contact with Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the third Free Practice session: “After that collision, I had to change the floor of the car. It cost us a lot in terms of performance in qualifying.”

“Helping Max in Q3 was the plan from the beginning,” the Japanese driver continued. “I felt a lot of pressure when I gave him the slipstream; I needed to be not too far away but not too close either. In the race I will do everything I can to help the team. My strategy will probably be compromised, but [Verstappen] still has the chance to win the World Championship.”

It was classic Yuki Tsunoda – honest, unfiltered, and ready to race for every point even if it means starting behind the drivers he believes cost him a better result. His final weekend in the Red Bull family looks set to be anything but quiet.