Tsunoda Faces Steep Learning Curve With 2026 F1 Machinery at Spanish Grand Prix
Yuki Tsunoda returns to Racing Bulls for a third Formula 1 appearance this season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, continuing his stand-in role for Liam Lawson. Lawson has moved to Red Bull Racing to replace the injured Isack Hadjar, giving Tsunoda another opportunity to adapt to the radically different 2026 regulations.
Mixed Results in First Two Outings
Tsunoda’s baptism with the new generation of cars began at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished just outside the points but ahead of teammate Arvid Lindblad. However, the Italian Grand Prix proved far more challenging. He struggled for pace relative to Lindblad throughout practice and qualifying, then lined up in the wrong grid slot during the race restart. A 10th-place finish remains provisional pending a protest from Audi, which argues Tsunoda should have been penalised for forcing an additional formation lap.
Complex Energy Management Demands Precision
The 2026 cars present a steep operational challenge. With a near 50:50 power split between the electrical motor and internal combustion engine, drivers must adopt an often counter-intuitive style that does not always prioritise maximum cornering speed. Active aerodynamics and machine-learning algorithms governing electrical deployment require precise throttle application rather than improvisation.
Monza compounded these difficulties. Its layout offers minimal energy harvesting opportunities, meaning a competitive lap demanded both a slipstream and mastery of limited electrical power deployment.
Tsunoda Details Operational Struggles
Speaking in Madrid, Tsunoda outlined the specific difficulties he encountered at Monza.
“I tended to forget quite a lot SM [Straightline Mode] last week, especially the Turn 8 to Turn 10,” he explained in Madrid.
“There’s been more activation points than last year. And also, it’s a lot of work I have to do in the out lap, not to use the energy.
“But obviously, if you don’t use the energy, the tyres are going to be cold, so you want to be sometimes aggressive in order where you [need] to be.
“You want to start the lap with 100% battery, but this sacrifice in places, where to do it, where to not, was very complicated – and something that I fucked up quite a lot in qualifying. And the consequence was huge.”
He also highlighted the increased reliance on steering wheel displays and throttle sensitivity.
“It’s like you have to [look] on the steering monitor more,” said Tsunoda.
“Somehow, you have to also be slightly more sensitive on throttle, especially in the out-lap. It is weird, especially in the out-lap, also in qualifying, but I think this is part of the regulation or sport, F1 right now, and you’ve got to deal with it.
“Somehow, I was underestimating the amount of damage or penalty you’ll get if you don’t do everything right, and I definitely experienced it in qualifying.”
Verstappen Critique Dismissed
Max Verstappen recently suggested that the ability of drivers like Lawson and Tsunoda to step into the new cars and be immediately competitive indicates fundamental flaws in the regulations, stating the cars are “numb to your driver inputs.” Tsunoda declined to engage with the assessment.
“It’s because these cars are numb to your driver inputs,” he said.
“I’m not really taking anything from his comments,” responded Tsunoda when this was put to him.
“And, you know, compare to my results, what I showed in two races, it’s a very individual thing.
“I think I’ve done a good job. And that’s it.”
As the Madrid weekend unfolds, Tsunoda will aim to translate his growing understanding of the 2026 machinery into a cleaner, more competitive showing on a circuit that offers more conventional energy management cycles than Monza.
