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

After a promising Friday at Monza, Racing Bulls have publicly set a target of reaching Q3 with both drivers in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix. With Arvid Lindblad achieving P7 in both practice sessions and Yuki Tsunoda improving from P12 to P10, the Faenza-based team shows they are the leading midfield team under the new 2026 technical regulations. Team principal Alan Permane admitted FP1 had issues from the chassis or power unit side but the team knew where to tweak. FP2 was very strong, with Lindblad only behind the top three teams: Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. This is an encouraging signal for a team that usually struggles in the midfield. Yuki Tsunoda, standing in for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls while Lawson deputises at Red Bull Racing, had an important learning day. He explained that the improvement between medium and soft tyres came from much better rear stability. Tsunoda also mentioned adapting to the SLM (Straight Line Mode) system, a new feature of the 2026 regulations, with more activation points than last year, causing him to forget to activate it before Turn 11. Additionally, learning to use the Boost function – an electrical deployment override – is a key area. Technical analysis suggests Racing Bulls have taken advantage of the new regulations. With more favourable wind tunnel and CFD allocation due to their lower 2026 constructors' standing, they may have developed a more competitive car. However, practice pace does not always translate to qualifying pace. Permane warned that traffic could be a factor, especially when top teams try to drag everyone else out in Q2. Strategically, the dual-Q3 target is ambitious but grounded. Racing Bulls have achieved this multiple times this season, and a one-second margin to P16 in Q1 gives them a safety buffer. However, qualifying pressure at Monza, where seeking a tow is crucial, could disrupt plans. Lindblad is emerging as a genuine talent. With P7 in both sessions, he shows the ability to extract maximum performance from the Racing Bulls package. If he continues this form, he will strengthen his position in the Red Bull driver system, which currently has three drivers for two teams. Tsunoda, despite more experience, is adapting to a new team and new systems. The internal competition between the two drivers will be a point of interest. In the driver market context, Tsunoda standing in for Lawson shows the flexibility of Red Bull's personnel strategy. Lawson gets a chance at the senior team, while Tsunoda must prove his worth at Racing Bulls. If Lindblad continues to outperform, Tsunoda's F1 future could be questioned. The biggest risk for Racing Bulls is the gap between practice and qualifying pace. Traffic, system activation errors, and psychological pressure could make the Q3 target difficult. However, with thorough preparation and high team morale, Racing Bulls have a great opportunity to make an impact at Monza.