Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, commented that Yuki Tsunoda is adapting to his new role within the team after his debut race weekend with them in Japan.
Tsunoda`s qualifying session placed him 15th, behind Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced. This was due to a mistake during his final Q2 run.
However, Tsunoda overtook Lawson at the start and managed to get ahead of Pierre Gasly of Alpine during the pit stops. For the majority of his home race, he remained behind Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin.
Horner stated, `He has settled into the team well and provided valuable feedback. His performance in P1 was very strong, and P3 was also good.`
He added, `In Q1, he was only a tenth of a second behind Max. In Q2, he made an error at Turn 1, going in 15kph faster than his previous best. This moment impacted the rest of his lap.`
`His qualifying position largely determined his race outcome, in a race with limited overtaking. A better qualifying result would have meant a better finish.`
Horner concluded, `He`s now getting comfortable within the team, and we anticipate his performance will improve in the upcoming races.`
Tsunoda Expresses `Mixed Feelings`
Despite being close to Verstappen`s pace in the first practice session, Tsunoda couldn`t replicate that performance in qualifying. Verstappen secured pole position and won the race.
Red Bull has made it clear that their priority is the drivers` championship this season, and Tsunoda is expected to support Verstappen strategically.
`I`m satisfied with my performance, but the overall result is challenging,` Tsunoda told Sky Sports F1.
`I had hoped for more from my home Grand Prix, so my feelings are mixed.`
`I am gaining experience and confidence with the car. I felt in control towards the end of the race. I believe with another qualifying attempt, the outcome would be different.`
`Considering my limited time in the car, I am content. Having Max as my teammate is a great learning opportunity, and I`m excited for Bahrain.`
Hadjar Would Welcome Red Bull Opportunity
While Lawson reached Q2 for the first time this season, he finished 17th after his tire strategy didn`t prove effective.
Isack Hadjar, however, had another strong weekend, qualifying seventh and finishing eighth, just behind Lewis Hamilton.
Hadjar overcame seatbelt issues during qualifying to demonstrate his speed. After crashing in the Australian Grand Prix formation lap, he responded positively by securing his first points in Japan.
When asked about potentially joining Red Bull in the future, Hadjar said, `I`m happy where I am currently but would definitely answer the call if it came! For now, I`m just enjoying racing.`
Bahrain GP Schedule on Sky Sports F1
Thursday, April 10
- 2pm: Drivers` Press Conference
Friday, April 11
- 8.50am: F3 Practice
- 10am: F2 Practice
- 12pm: Bahrain GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)*
- 1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
- 2.40pm: F2 Qualifying
- 3.35pm: Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
- 5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday, April 12
- 11.10am: F3 Sprint Race
- 1.15pm: Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30pm)
- 3.10pm: F2 Sprint
- 4.10pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying build-up
- 5pm: BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
- 7pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, April 13
- 10.50am: F3 Feature Race
- 12.20pm: F2 Feature Race
- 2.30pm: Bahrain GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
- 4pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
- 6pm: Bahrain GP reaction: Chequered Flag
- 7pm: Ted`s Notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 continues in Bahrain this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham