Racing Bulls set out Q3 goal after solid first day in Monza as Tsunoda explains ‘good learning’

Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane has set out the target of getting both cars into Q3 during Saturday’s Qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix, following on from a solid start for the squad in Friday’s practice sessions.

On a weekend in which Yuki Tsunoda is again standing in for Liam Lawson as the New Zealander deputises at Red Bull, Arvid Lindblad hinted at Racing Bulls' potential by going seventh fastest in both practice hours – with only the Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren cars quicker in Free Practice 2.

Tsunoda also looked to have made progress between the outings, the Japanese racer claiming P12 on the timesheets in the first session before moving up to 10th later on.

Permane praised the performances of both drivers as he shared his thoughts on Friday’s action, having commented: “It has been a good day, certainly [in] FP2. FP1 was not quite perfect, from chassis or power unit side, but we could see where to tweak it.

“We made those changes and honestly FP2 was very strong. Certainly Arvid on the medium [tyre] at the start of the session was absolutely flying – he didn’t get a proper lap on the softs, he was held up by Lewis [Hamilton] I think in the chicane.

“Yuki made a decent step between medium and soft [tyres] and he said that was because of much better rear stability, so it gives us a clue of where to go with set-up for him.”

While traffic could be a feature in Qualifying, Permane is confident that the team can progress through the session.

“I think we have enough to get us out of Q1 – could be famous last words, of course,” he explained. “We look like we have that one second margin to P16, so I think we will be okay there.

“I think what helps us certainly in Q2 is the very big guns won’t be caring about a tow in Q2, so they will go out and drag everyone else out.

“It is Q3 maybe where the games start, but if we can get both of our cars into the final session, which is the goal and something we have achieved quite a bit this year, then again it becomes a little bit easier.”

Tsunoda also spoke positively about the day as he continues to adapt during his second outing for the team in 2026.

“I enjoyed it,” the 26-year-old said. “FP1 was a bit more messy I would say for myself. You have more detection or activation points than last year, so I keep forgetting the SLM [Straight Line Mode] before Turn 11.

“Those things, changes between last year and this year, they are not the same but anyway, some challenges but it ended up pretty well. A couple of things to tidy up, but pretty happy with it.”

Tsunoda went on to suggest that knowing where to use the Boost function will be “important” as the weekend progresses, having “learned some differences between the deployment” during Friday’s running.

“It is good learning as a team, but also for me as well,” he added.