“I was in the UK for preparations for Suzuka with VCARB [Racing Bulls], and plans changed. Immediately I [did] a simulator session with Red Bull Racing, I think at that point it was just in case, and within [the] two or three days I was spending in the UK, he confirmed in person. I can’t say when specifically, but that was the kind of timeline.”
While Red Bull moved quickly to make a change following Lawson’s struggles, Tsunoda stated that team boss Horner has not given him a specific timeline in terms of how the long the squad will give him to prove himself – and also insisted that he is not feeling the pressure.
“I didn’t get any specific races or the time I have to prove [myself],” Tsunoda explained. “He’s been so far very supportive and he just mentioned expectations to me on what he wants me to achieve. Pressure will always come once you hit the track, [but] for now [it feels] really relaxing.
“[It] feels actually similar to when I was in VCARB. Once I entered the hospitality, I was only thinking about breakfast! I don’t so far necessarily feel pressure. I think those things will naturally come – it’s a home Grand Prix, and Qualifying I’m sure is going to be hectic.
“There’s not much point to feel pressure. I’m feeling confident and I hope I can do it a bit different [compared to] other drivers.”
In terms of what those expectations are that Horner set out for him, Tsunoda added: “Basically be [as] close to Max as possible, which anyway gives a good result for the team [and] also allows the team to support as a strategy as well in the race.
