Yuki Tsunoda revealed he “managed quite a lot” during Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix and admitted it was “not a nice feeling” to be under pressure most of the race.
Tsunoda finished eighth, scoring more valuable points for both him and his RB team during the race in Monte Carlo that turned into a processional 78-lap encounter.
The Japanese driver conceded it was a tedious race until the last three laps, where he was allowed to push flat out and allowed to extend his gap over Albon behind.
“Very long race. [We] Had to kind of respect the strategy, what we planned. We didn’t want any single space that our competitors could use,” Tsunoda explained.
“We were managing the tyres and the pace.
“Last three laps we enjoyed it because I was told you could push flat out. Until then it was kind of fine-tuning to make sure I wasn’t too greedy. And manage the tyres.”
Tsunoda revealed that the RB team decided prior to the race that he should slow the pace to prevent direct rivals from passing to protect his promising starting place.
When asked how it feels for a driver to not be allowed to push to the limit, Tsunoda addressed that it wasn’t a nice feeling but it was the best outcome for his prospects.
“I was managing quite a lot. I had to sometimes slow down quite a lot to make sure the cars behind,” he added.
“[Lance] Stroll for example, don’t do any pit stops, or make sure if the Safety Car comes, no one will overcut or undercut us.
“I had to really manage the pace. That was frustrating, obviously, as a driver, when you know there’s pace to come. But happy to stick to what the team says.”
“Monaco is a very, very hard track to overtake. You don’t want to get pressured by the driver behind.
“Pressure will give something to the driver, any driver. It’s not a nice feeling.
“Especially when a car’s behind and they try to overtake. We kind of discussed it already, and I knew it was going to happen like this. I’m happy I was able to succeed and do what they said.”
Tsunoda also shared his thoughts on the Monaco circuit following a race limited in action and no changes inside the top 10 as an early red flag nullified the strategy.
“We keep the extra excitement for qualifying, as everyone knows that’s a really important session,” he acknowledged.
“Probably more than a normal race, qualifying has more value, and we ended up in the top ten.”
“Obviously, the race is hard to overtake and maybe less exciting for the spectators or whatever, but I think this is Monaco.
“And this is why qualifying is extra special compared to other tracks.”
