“I really feel extra confidence” – Yuki Tsunoda reacts to fifth in Qatar F1 dash qualifying

Yuki Tsunoda says he can “really feel extra confidence” in his Pink Bull System 1 automotive after beating team-mate Max Verstappen to fifth in Qatar Grand Prix dash qualifying.

Tsunoda took his highest qualifying place for Pink Bull in what appears to be like set to be his penultimate race weekend with the squad, as he’s poised to get replaced by Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar for 2026.

However the Japanese driver is not taking place and not using a combat, and after exhibiting enhancements in Las Vegas, which had been thwarted by a tyre stress error from the crew, Tsunoda confirmed his new-found confidence within the Pink Bull RB21 with fifth in Losail’s dash qualifying session.

“To this point, it has been a clear race weekend, fairly clean, no points in apply and qualifying thus far,” mentioned Tsunoda, after qualifying forward of team-mate Verstappen, who went for a special automotive set-up and was scuffling with the dealing with of his automotive.

“I really feel extra confidence in qualifying. I simply must put all of it collectively, there’s three extra classes to go, nevertheless it’s crucial for the crew. It is good that each side of the storage are very targeted and we attempt to give the utmost.

“However for me as nicely, I am pleased with the automotive and with my confidence. Clearly, there are some bits to go for tomorrow to search out the additional tenths, however I am excited.”

When requested by Motorsport.com about Tsunoda’s efficiency, Pink Bull advisor Helmut Marko mentioned: “In case you look again to Las Vegas Yuki was already very near Max, however we [chose] the fallacious tyre stress that put him out in Q1 and that ruined his race weekend. However his pace was constantly enhancing.

“After all, he is enhancing his efficiency and he is extra concerned within the technical facet.”

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