Yuki Tsunoda secured 12th place on the sprint grid for the Dutch Grand Prix, a result the Racing Bulls driver calls “pretty satisfied” as he adapts to the new 2026 machinery.
Tsunoda Earns 12th on Sprint Grid
The reserve-seat switch from Isack Hadjar—who missed the weekend due to a wrist injury—placed Tsunoda, 26, next to fill the slot left by Liam Lawson’s temporary promotion to Red Bull.
During 35 laps of practice, Tsunoda finished 17th fastest, trailing rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad by eight‑tenths of a second. In sprint‑qualifying’s two sessions, he trimmed the gap to 0.433 s in SQ1 and 0.360 s in SQ2, landing him on the 12th spot for the 24‑lap dash.
Adapting to the 2026 Electric-Power Car
First exposure to the 2026-spec F1 car, featuring 47 % electric power, demands unfamiliar energy management, a departure from the pure‑gasoline engines of prior seasons.
“It’s more about learning the car’s behaviour,” Tsunoda explained. “The brakes feel different, and the downforce has dropped, so balance and brake performance require quick adjustment.”
Practice Insights and Qualifying Numbers
With 35 laps logged, the driver clinched 17th fastest in practice, bridging an eight‑tenths deficit to teammate Arvid Lindblad. Two sprint‑qualifying sessions further narrowed that gap, positioning Tsunoda for a respectful standing that offers valuable data for the main race.
He noted the shift from the high‑power cars of last season, emphasizing the need to build confidence gradually, especially in high‑speed corners where the Ermelo track offers limited runoff.
Strategic Focus for the Sprint
Only the top eight earn points in the sprint, prompting Tsunoda to prioritize experience over podium ambition. By gathering lap data and understanding tyre management within the new powertrain, he aims to refine his performance for the remainder of the weekend.
“My main goal is tomorrow’s qualifying,” Tsunoda said, “and the data from today will inform my strategy.” The competitive sprint will be a proving ground as he masters the hybrid‑focused machine ahead of the full race distance.
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