Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Tsunoda Deems Singapore Opener His 'Worst Start' as Red Bull Calls First Lap 'Shocking'

His place for 2026 remains uncertain with Isack Hadjar widely touted as a contender for the seat.

Overview

  • Tsunoda qualified 13th after a Q2 exit, plunged down the order on lap one, and recovered only to 12th, missing points.
  • He said his long-run speed in Singapore was among his best since joining Red Bull, but he could not extract single-lap grip.
  • Team principal Laurent Mekies criticized a poor Saturday and the first lap, pledging to work with Tsunoda to diagnose and fix the issues.
  • The contrasting trend follows a career-best sixth place in Baku that showcased improved race pace but did not resolve qualifying and start weaknesses.
  • Speculation over 2026 includes Hadjar and junior Arvid Lindblad, and pundit Giedo van der Garde urged Tsunoda to accept he has fallen short.