Zak Brown took a swipe at Pink Bull for his or her “unusual driver decisions” after Yuki Tsunoda impressed on the F1 Australian Grand Prix.
Tsunoda starred in qualifying, securing fifth place on the grid for Racing Bulls, forward of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The Japanese driver ran effectively within the race, overtaking Leclerc because the observe started to change into extra slippery.
Nonetheless, like Ferrari, Racing Bulls’ technique was flawed, as a result of they stayed out too lengthy on dry tyres in intermediate circumstances.
Tsunoda would end the race in twelfth, making it an enormous alternative missed for VCARB when a few of their midfield rivals scored massive factors.
Tsunoda’s spectacular weekend was in stark distinction to Liam Lawson’s, who was knocked out in Q1 earlier than retiring from the Australian GP.
Pink Bull opted for Lawson over Tsunoda as their alternative for Sergio Perez.
This was regardless of Tsunoda having significantly extra expertise and usually outperforming Lawson.
Talking to Sky Sports activities after qualifying in Melbourne on Saturday, Brown couldn’t resist taking intention at Pink Bull.
“I believe it’s going to be a really thrilling yr,” Brown mentioned.
“Yuki did an amazing job, in all probability the man that must be within the Pink Bull in case you take a look at how he’s carried out, however they appear to make some unusual driver decisions.”
Is Brown proper about Pink Bull’s driver decisions?
Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure on the finish of 2018, Pink Bull have struggled to search out an sufficient alternative to place alongside Max Verstappen.
Pierre Gasly was Ricciardo’s alternative in 2019 however was changed mid-way by the season as a result of poor type.
Alex Albon was then given an opportunity after simply 12 races in F1.
Whereas the Thai driver was initially an improve on Gasly, 2020 was a yr to overlook as he didn’t out-qualify Verstappen at any of the races.
With Pink Bull reluctant to provide Gasly one other probability, Pink Bull turned to Perez, who had simply loved a robust season at Racing Level.
Perez’s arrival coincided with Pink Bull turning into a title-winning drive.
The Mexican performed a vital position in Verstappen’s title win towards Hamilton in 2021.
2022 proved to be his strongest yr with the staff, regardless that he missed out on P2 within the championship to Leclerc.
Nonetheless, by 2023, Perez’s performances grew to become extra erratic as he underperformed in arguably essentially the most dominant automobile in F1 historical past.
Perez’s future remained a sizzling subject all through 2024, with Ricciardo practically making a sensational return forward of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Pink Bull might have changed Perez with Carlos Sainz for 2025 – however determined towards it, finally selecting Lawson.
Lawson didn’t out-qualify Tsunoda of their seven races collectively as teammates in 2024, though the hole between them was minimal.
With Sainz in the marketplace for 2025 and Tsunoda merely being extra skilled, Brown may need some extent.
