Tsunoda praised by Mekies after strong Japanese GP practice

Racing Bulls principal highlights Yuki Tsunoda’s maturity and technical growth at Suzuka.

Yuki Tsunoda drives during final practice for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit on April 5, 2025, in Suzuka, Japan. Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Yuki Tsunoda impressed Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies with his performance during the free practice sessions of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on Friday. The homegrown talent showed remarkable improvement in both speed and maturity, reinforcing his growing reputation within the Red Bulls camp. The strong start in free practice reflects a major development in Tsunoda's driving approach, with Mekies calling it a “360-degree” transformation.

Tsunoda, now racing for Red Bulls following a recent driver swap with Liam Lawson, showcased his skills right from the start of FP1. He clocked a fastest lap of 1:29.172, securing sixth place—just fractions behind teammate Max Verstappen. This early pace highlighted not only Tsunoda's adaptability to the RB21 but also his readiness to challenge the sport’s top contenders on home soil.

Laurent Mekies sees a transformed Yuki Tsunoda

Speaking to Formula 1 media on Saturday, Laurent Mekies praised the 23-year-old Japanese driver’s evolution over the past year. “We often think that drivers only grow from a maturity point of view—in calmness and analysis—but I think in Yuki’s case, we’ve seen him make a 360-degree step,” Mekies explained.

According to Mekies, Tsunoda's growth hasn’t just been about staying calm under pressure; it’s also about offering detailed technical feedback and showing a deeper understanding of the car’s behavior. “We’ve seen him become calmer, become more mature, improve his technical feedback massively. It’s been an incredible step in the last 12 months, and this is turning into speed,” he added.

Such praise from a seasoned team principal is no small feat. For Tsunoda, who once faced criticism for emotional outbursts and inconsistent performances, these comments mark a pivotal point in his MotoGP career.

A mixed but promising start at Suzuka

Yuki Tsunoda’s first free practice at Suzuka was undeniably solid. Recording the sixth-fastest time, he showed his ability to compete closely with the leading drivers. His lap time of 1:29.172 was a mere sliver behind Verstappen’s fifth-place finish, signaling that Tsunoda is finding real pace in the RB21.

However, in FP2, the situation changed. Tsunoda ended the session in 18th with a time of 1:30.625. Though the pace dipped, this session wasn’t entirely about lap times. Teams often use FP2 to test different setups, tire strategies, or simulate long-run pace. Mekies seemed unconcerned with the lower result, focusing instead on the big-picture improvements Tsunoda has demonstrated.

“So I think that’s a really impressive example of improvement at a 360-degree level, and as we know, that never comes for free or without effort,” Mekies remarked, emphasizing the hard work that has gone into Tsunoda’s transformation.

The journey from rookie to refined racer

Tsunoda’s debut in Formula 1 came with AlphaTauri in 2021, and his rookie season was marked by unpredictability. While he flashed raw speed, it was often accompanied by erratic racecraft and emotional radio outbursts. Over time, he’s worked closely with Red Bull engineers, coaches, and mental training staff to hone his discipline and decision-making—especially under pressure.

Now, as he steps up to Red Bulls in a more competitive role, his commitment to growth is finally paying dividends. He’s evolved from a hot-headed newcomer to a cool, calculated racer who can be relied upon to deliver solid performances.

This progress is especially important for Red Bull Racing, which is constantly evaluating its talent pool for future senior team opportunities. Tsunoda’s ability to now balance speed with strategic thinking could place him back on their radar for a promotion—especially as veteran drivers near retirement or contracts come up for renewal.

Home GP pride and pressure

Competing in the Japanese Grand Prix is always a special moment for Yuki Tsunoda. Racing in front of his home fans at the iconic Suzuka Circuit brings an emotional element few other drivers experience. But it also comes with immense pressure. Expectations are sky-high from fans and media, eager to see their local star succeed.

Despite this, Tsunoda has remained composed, leaning on his recent mental and technical development to keep focused. His strong showing in FP1 proved he could rise to the occasion, and even the less-impressive FP2 result did little to dampen spirits in the Racing Bulls garage.

He will now shift focus to the qualifying session and sprint race on Saturday, both critical opportunities to capitalize on his early momentum and potentially deliver a strong grid position for Sunday’s main event.

What’s next for Tsunoda?

With Laurent Mekies publicly acknowledging Tsunoda’s growth, the narrative around the Japanese driver is shifting. No longer seen as a project in development, Tsunoda is establishing himself as a mature and capable competitor—someone who can score consistent points and bring value to a team looking to climb the constructor standings.

Whether this momentum will continue through the remainder of the weekend and the season remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Tsunoda is no longer the same driver he was a year ago. His combination of technical insight, emotional control, and improved race pace is making him a serious contender—not just at Suzuka, but on the global stage.

A star in the making

Yuki Tsunoda’s standout performance in the Japanese Grand Prix free practice sessions has not gone unnoticed. Racing Bulls principal Laurent Mekies’ recognition of his 360-degree improvement is a powerful endorsement of the young driver’s journey. From erratic rookie to composed competitor, Tsunoda’s transformation is inspiring to watch.

With the Suzuka Circuit still echoing with cheers from his home fans, Tsunoda now has the chance to turn that support into results. If his free practice sessions are any indication, Yuki Tsunoda is ready to take the next step in his Formula 1 career.

As we head into qualifying and the sprint race, all eyes will remain on the young Japanese star—one who’s rapidly redefining what’s possible with talent, dedication, and relentless improvement.