Formula 1 News: Tsunoda Cautious on RB’s Upgraded Spec Amid Aston Martin Challenge Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
As the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix approaches, Yuki Tsunoda is refraining from making lofty expectations about closing the performance gap with Aston Martin, despite the introduction of an upgraded RB machine this weekend. Currently, the Faenza-based RB outfit occupies sixth place in the Constructors’ standings with 28 points, 21 points ahead of seventh-placed Haas and 30 points behind fifth-placed Aston Martin.
Aston Martin’s Struggles and RB’s Upgrades
Aston Martin’s struggles in the development race are well-documented, a challenge that RB did not face during the latter half of last season under the AlphaTauri banner. To combat this, RB is introducing a revised floor, bodywork, and rear wing this weekend, prompting questions about whether the team can gain ground on its Silverstone-based rivals.
When asked about the potential impact of the upgrades, Tsunoda told media, including Motorsport Week, “I don’t want to make any high expectations here or anything, so I wouldn’t say how much it will be, but the upgrade seems for sure to give some step forward in general, at least what I experienced in the simulator.” He added, “I don’t feel [many] characteristic changes, it just feels the general [aerodynamic] load got better, which is a good sign.”
The Japanese driver emphasized that the team still needs to validate the upgrades on the track, saying, “Obviously, we have to check on the track, but for sure I feel something.” RB Technical Director Joey Egginton predicts a busy Friday practice for the team as it gets to grips with the numerous upgrades on the car.
“There have been intensive preparations in the simulator and offline tools to prepare for this event. A significant amount of work was put in by Faenza and Bicester to prepare and deliver an aerodynamic update consisting of a floor, bodywork, and rear wing for both cars, to provide a measurable performance benefit.”
Focus on High-Speed Corners
Tsunoda highlighted that the team’s focus will be on delivering performance in high-speed corners across the triple-header at Barcelona, the Red Bull Ring, and Silverstone. “I think our strengths were more towards low speed, so now we need a higher speed corner load I would say, and that we tend to always kind of struggle at,” he said. “Especially the coming races, there’s quite a lot of high-speed corner characteristic layouts. So we focus on that, but in general, we’re not so bad, but it’s more towards high speed that we want to focus more.”
Formula 1 fans can expect an action-packed Spanish Grand Prix, with RB’s upgraded spec and Tsunoda’s cautious optimism setting the stage for an intriguing battle ahead. Stay up-to-date with the latest Formula 1 news, standings, and updates from the Spanish Grand Prix, as the championship heats up.
🔗 Source