Tsunoda admits to 'mixed feelings' after Q3 first and crash

©AlphaTauri

Yuki Tsunoda will start Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix among the top ten following his first visit to Q3 on Saturday, but a crash in the final shootout left the AlphaTauri driver with mixed feelings.

Tsunoda kept it together in the first two stages of a qualifying session that was repeatedly disrupted by red flags.

But in the final segment, the rookie - a first-time visitor to Baku - overcooked it on the entry to the track's uncompromising Turn 15.

"I went too late on the braking, got a lock up on the late entry and no chance to make the corner. A shame," he told Sky F1.

The mistake left the 21-year-old Japanese charger P8 in the pecking order but also with mixed feelings. On the one hand he was happy with his performance that follows a succession of difficult races and errors, but on the other his crash obviously dampened his enthusiasm.

However, Tsunoda highlighted his build-up to this week's round of racing, having conducted his preparations with his team in Faenza after Red Bull's decision to relocate its protégé to Italy after his disappointing Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

"Until Q2 I was really happy, especially the process to this week was, compared to previous races, really good," he said.

"First time in Azerbaijan and it was good building up a pace. First time in Q3 this time so definitely happy but mixed feelings to be honest.

"A start in the points, compared to Monaco it's a bit easier to overtake, so hopefully I can put it altogether tomorrow."

Read also: Move from Milton Keynes to Faenza 'a good decision' - Tsunoda

Tsunoda apologized to his AlphaTauri team for the extra hours his crew will need to put in to repair his car, although the damage wasn't as bad as his heavy crash in qualifying at Imola earlier this season.

"It's not as bad as Imola I would say," he said. "I don't have to worry about the gearbox, that's a positive thing."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.