Red Bull hoping to solve Yuki Tsunoda brain overheating

AlphaTauri

Tsunoda brain overheating triggered Red Bull psychologist call

Will this make the difference for the Japanese driver?

Ewan Gale

Friday 8 July 2022 12:20

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AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda has conceded to his brain "overheating" behind the wheel of his AT03.

The Japanese driver is one of the most well-liked in the paddock due to his jovial off-track demeanour yet when he takes to the circuit, a fiery attitude tends to appear.

Nothing proves this more than some of his team radio outbursts throughout his first season and a half in the sport.

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Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko has revealed to the team hiring a psychologist in order to moderate Tsunoda's temper behind the wheel.

Offering an insight into the new addition, Tsunoda explained: "I was already working with another psychologist in F2.

"I was really happy working with him and also, he was part of the reason I was able to step up to Formula 1. He was able to help me develop my performance in F2, the consistency.

"They [Red Bull] hired a new psychologist from, I would say, four races ago. It is working well...

"I did have the crash [referring to his incident with Pierre Gasly at Silverstone], but it will have to take a little more time because he has to understand more about myself.

"Also, I have to understand what direction we have to take."

Tsunoda hopeful new psychologist makes the difference

Tsunoda's crash with team-mate Gasly in last weekend's British Grand Prix was a misjudged lunge up the inside of Village corner, one that hampered both driver's chances for points.

"Definitely, one of my limitations is I start to get overheated - overheating, especially my brain - in the car," confessed Tsunoda.

"There are some situations that make it slightly better but I know I have to improve myself in order to get more consistency.

"Hopefully the new trainer can work well for the future."