Yuki Tsunoda’s debut as a Red Bull driver got off to a tremendous start, as he finished right behind new teammate Max Verstappen in Friday’s first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix. As Tsunoda stated during Thursday’s FIA Press Conference,

Yuki Tsunoda's performance and confidence in Japan was a big step forward from where Liam Lawson was with Red Bull

Christian Horner defended Yuki Tsunoda after he failed to score points on his Red Bull debut at the Japanese Grand Prix. After securing a shock pole at Suzuka, Max Verstappen held off the challenge of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to claim his first win of the Formula 1 season.