Max Verstappen secured a third place start at the Spanish GP, while Yuki Tsunoda encountered a disastrous qualifying session in Barcelona, ranking the slowest on the grid after being eliminated in Q1. Helmut Marko expressed the need to internally discuss Tsunoda’s performance, as the Japanese driver cited a “fundamental limitation” in the car, despite being unsure of its exact nature.
Verstappen alluded to a longtime trend at Red Bull regarding the challenging second driver seat, emphasizing the difficulty of handling the Red Bull car. The reigning champion prioritizes a competitive car over a fast teammate, acknowledging the current struggle with grip affecting overall performance in 2025.
While the second car’s struggles impact Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, Verstappen remains focused on the importance of car performance in the title fight, recognizing the team’s need to enhance grip for heightened competitiveness against rivals like McLaren. Despite setbacks, Verstappen remains resolute, stating the team must accept the current limitations and keep pushing forward.
