'Had to change my approach': Bahrain clash with Daniel Ricciardo a turning point for Yuki Tsunoda
A reflective Yuki Tsunoda admitted a clash with Daniel Ricciardo in Bahrain last year was a turning point in his career as he lines up for his home race this weekend in Japan.
Tsunoda was easily the most dominant driver at VCARB team throughout 2024, scoring over 60 per cent of the team's points, with the rest made up by Ricciardo and recently dumped Liam Lawson.
But it's said the Japanese driver's temperament needed a tune-up and was holding him back as he was overlooked for a promotion, with the team instead opting for Lawson.
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Tsunoda was never afraid to air his thoughts to his garage on team radio, letting off F-bombs at will. But according to Red Bull team bosses, he has worked hard to curb his temper while on track.
Tsunoda's anger was on full display at Bahrain 2024 when an intra-team swap order angered the driver. He was so furious that he aggressively overtook Ricciardo and accelerated in anger towards the Aussie.
Ricciardo collides with Yuki Tsunoda during the Mexican Grand Prix. Kayo
Ricciardo wasn't happy: "What the f--- is wrong? I'll save it... f---ing helmet," he said at the time.
"My mindset would be to take my stress out on the track and then focus afterward," Tsunoda told The Independent.
"These days, F1 is more political and has more sponsors. You need to find a balance. You don't want a driver shouting emotions; the team wants to hear specific feedback.
"I had to change my approach for the future after what happened with Daniel in Bahrain last year.
Yuki Tsunoda and former teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Rudy Carezzevoli via Getty Images
"Otherwise, I wouldn't be sticking around in F1. It's the one area I've worked really hard at – and it's helped change my mindset and be more serious."
Racing Bulls' CEO Peter Bayer told PlanetF1.com the 24-year-old has improved his demeanour on track.
"He has improved by 1,000 per cent on that," Bayer said.
"There is so little of that outrage that he [had] because he understood. He understood that every was costing him a tenth. Yuki knows, and he's there."
Red Bull advisor Helmet Marko said Tsunoda's ascent into the the second Red Bull seat was more about the Japanese driver showing he's a more complete competitor.
"Yuki had his highs and lows," Marko said.
Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on in the garage during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 27, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) Getty
"I remember his two crashes in Mexico [in 2024], for example. He was simply not as stable as he is now.
"Lawson had driven only 11 grands prix and in this situation he could not perform anymore.
"On the other hand, Yuki was – crazy as it sounds – very strong in his fourth season.
"His personality, he is physically much stronger, he seems hugely confident and delivered two great races.
"Why we didn't wait any longer? Well, we want to win the fifth world championship with Max.
"The car is tricky and not the fastest. It is important then to have a second driver who can support us strategically in races and contribute to the development of the car."
