Yuki Tsunoda has opened up about receiving a “good” message from Christian Horner following the Pink Bull staff principal’s surprising departure.
Following the British Grand Prix, Pink Bull introduced that that they had parted methods with Horner.
Horner had been instrumental to Pink Bull’s F1 success over the past 20 years as their staff principal since 2005.
Regardless of his on-track struggles since being promoted by Pink Bull alongside Max Verstappen, Tsunoda appreciated Horner’s continued assist.
Talking forward of the Belgian Grand Prix on Thursday, Tsunoda revealed Horner had been in touch after his sudden exit.
“Yeah, I feel not a lot to say. And I recognize how Christian supported me in earlier races,” Tsunoda stated.
“And, yeah, I imply, additionally, I bought a message from him really yesterday that, you understand, present what you are able to do and, you understand, yeah, it was a pleasant message.”
Horner’s alternative as staff boss is Laurent Mekies.
Mekies had been Racing Bulls’ staff principal for the reason that begin of the 2024 season and labored alongside Tsunoda.
Talking of Mekies, Tsunoda added: “And with Laurent, yeah, I do know him since VCARB and we have labored very well. We had a very good begin of the 12 months when it comes to efficiency.
“And, you understand, we had lots of belief between us. So, yeah, trying ahead to work with him. And, yeah, Alan, I simply met him and congrats as properly. Messaged as properly. However he is positively motivated.
“I feel, yeah, I am excited to see how he will do as staff principal.”
Tsunoda sees positives in Mekies’ arrival
Tsunoda has struggled to become familiar with Pink Bull’s 2025 F1 challenger.
The Japanese driver has scored simply 4 factors since becoming a member of the staff at Suzuka.
Given his prior relationship with Mekies, Tsunoda thinks it will likely be a seamless transition.
“I imply, you understand, he is simply joined center of the season,” Tsunoda defined. “And simply had two weeks. So I do not suppose he is not going to actually but change something. It is nonetheless most likely dynamics are related.
“Most likely he’ll see the following few races and see what he can do. However, yeah, a minimum of we all know that we’ve got a very good relationship. I can chat. You recognize, I will have the option, I haven’t got to essentially adapt to the connection or create a relationship, which is nice. And, yeah, I simply got here into the paddock with him, you understand, and had a traditional dialog.
“So, yeah, it looks like again to VCARB, but it surely’s not. It is completely different jersey, so it is cool.”
Tsunoda additionally confirmed that he nonetheless is not operating the identical upgrades as Verstappen this weekend.
“I heard yesterday that we can’t use it,” Tsunoda concluded. ”So, I imply, yeah, the staff is working arduous to get any improve. However, yeah, this race, so nonetheless, yeah, a few packages behind. However I am simply going to extract efficiency as a lot as attainable, what I’ve now.
”Yeah, it is also, on the similar time, it isn’t a straightforward factor. Particularly now, the present grid is actually, actually tight. A few of these particulars will rely. However, yeah, I will do my greatest.”
