New RB driver Isack Hadjar impressed Crimson Bull by being faster than Yuki Tsunoda throughout post-season testing in Abu Dhabi (pictured), in response to workforce principal Christian Horner.
Tsunoda was neglected for the Crimson Bull seat when it was introduced this week, with Liam Lawson chosen to associate Max Verstappen following Sergio Perez’s departure. That transfer opened the door for Hadjar to step right into a race seat, and with each he and Tsunoda having pushed for Crimson Bull in Abu Dhabi the workforce had an opportunity to check the 2 drivers.
“Isack, he’s one other expertise — he jumped within the automotive, he was quicker than Yuki within the check final week, which turned heads,” Horner mentioned. “He’s undoubtedly a uncooked expertise — he wants somewhat little bit of sprucing, however he has the velocity.
“He was unlucky in Method 2 to overlook out [on the title] on the final race resulting from technical glitches with start-line software program, from what I perceive, however he’s impressed as effectively. Significantly together with his velocity. It will likely be fascinating to see how issues pan out.”
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Horner mentioned he spoke with Tsunoda about not getting the Crimson Bull drive, and that the Japanese driver is conscious alternatives might nonetheless come his approach regardless of going into what’s prone to be his final yr with RB.
“His motivation was to display that he warrants that chance,” Horner mentioned. “And the Racing Bulls workforce will hopefully make a step ahead once more subsequent yr as they make the most of the rear suspension and the gearbox, and the features that they’re allowed to make use of [from Red Bull].
“I believe as that workforce and new administration matures, that workforce will naturally take a step ahead. [Tsunoda]’s very decided; he is aware of that issues change in a short time. Who would’ve thought 9 months in the past we’d be sitting right here speaking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025? Issues change rapidly on this trade and he’s conscious of that and is aware of that he must be the one demonstrating that he’s the one knocking on the door.”
