RB boss Laurent Mekies has claimed Yuki Tsunoda’s response to dealing with setbacks is an area where he has taken a “massive step” in the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Tsunoda continued his impressive start to the campaign in Miami as he equalled a season-best seventh place to make it four point scores from the opening six races.
But the Japanese driver’s encouraging beginning to the term marks a stark contrast to his earlier years, when he conceded he was fortunate to retain his current drive.
Although established race winner Daniel Ricciardo was tipped to put his less experienced team-mate in the shade, Tsunoda has had the edge at Red Bull’s sister side.
Mekies, who has taken over from Franz Tost at the helm, asserts that Tsunoda has now translated his inherent raw speed into more assured showings this campaign.
“Yuki has made a huge step this year. In fairness, he made a step between year one and year two, year two and year three,” Mekies told Motorsport.com.
“And I think the step he is making now between year three and year four is massive.
“You see a driver now that is able to not only have the raw speed, which we knew, and he elevated it even more now.
“But he can execute weekends with absolutely zero mistakes from FP1 to the race.
“It was the case in Australia, it was the case in Japan. And it was not far from that in Miami, to be honest.
“He has made a massive step forward and I think there is more to come, so we are working very hard to make sure we develop an environment where he is able to make these steps.
“We are very impressed with his work.”
Mekies has singled out how Tsunoda has dialled out the radio tirades that had been a common occurrence in the past to process challenging moments more calmly.
“He is getting better [dealing] with the low points,” Mekies added.
“China was a good example, he approached it in a rational way and we analysed together and he hit the ground running in Miami.
“So yes, it’s a big step forward. It’s played a massive role in our current success and we think there is more to come.
“You can also hear it on the radio. He is improving inside and outside the car.”
