New RB driver Isack Hadjar impressed Purple Bull by being faster than Yuki Tsunoda throughout post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, in keeping with crew principal Christian Horner.
Tsunoda was neglected for the Purple Bull seat when it was introduced this week, with Liam Lawson chosen to companion 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 Purple Bull in Abu Dhabi the crew had an opportunity to check the 2 drivers.
“Isack, he’s one other expertise — he jumped within the automobile, he was quicker than Yuki within the check final week, which turned heads,” Horner mentioned. “He’s undoubtedly a uncooked expertise — he wants a little bit little bit of sharpening, however he has the pace.
“He was unlucky in Components 2 to overlook out [on the title] on the final race on account of technical glitches with start-line software program, from what I perceive, however he’s impressed as effectively. Notably together with his pace. It will likely be fascinating to see how issues pan out.”
Horner mentioned he spoke with Tsunoda about not getting the Purple Bull drive, and that the Japanese driver is conscious alternatives may nonetheless come his method regardless of going into what’s more likely to be his final 12 months with RB.
“His motivation was to show that he warrants that chance,” Horner mentioned. “And the Racing Bulls crew will hopefully make a step ahead once more subsequent 12 months 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 crew and new administration matures, that crew 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 business 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.”
