Helmut Marko Confirms Tsunoda’s Future with Red Bull
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has put an end to speculation regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s future, confirming that the Japanese driver will remain with the team until the end of the 2025 season. The decision comes after Red Bull opted to swap Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, sending Lawson back to Racing Bulls following a disappointing start to the season.
With Red Bull’s second seat often a topic of discussion, many expected further speculation about who might partner Max Verstappen in the future. However, in an interview with Formel1.de, Marko made it clear that Tsunoda is here to stay at least for this season.
When asked whether Red Bull would consider promoting Isack Hadjar if Tsunoda underperformed, Marko’s response was firm:
“Yuki Tsunoda will finish the season here.”
Why Did Red Bull Change Their Mind on Tsunoda?
Red Bull’s decision to promote Tsunoda raised eyebrows, especially since the team had initially passed over him just three months ago when deciding on their 2024 lineup. Marko, however, provided insight into the reasoning behind the sudden shift in approach.
“We always knew Yuki was a fast driver, but he had ups and downs. That’s why we initially thought Liam was the better and stronger candidate,” Marko explained.
“However, Yuki has undergone a transformation. He changed his management team, and in his current form, he is our best option.”
Marko also emphasized the importance of experience, particularly in such a high-pressure environment.
“This is Yuki’s fifth season in Formula 1. In these conditions, experience plays a major role. He has repeatedly stated that he is the right driver for Red Bull Racing.”
What About Lawson and Hadjar?
With Lawson being demoted after just two races, questions arose about Red Bull’s handling of young drivers. Marko acknowledged that some might argue Lawson needed more time to adapt, particularly at a track like Suzuka, which he knows well. However, he contrasted Lawson’s struggles with Hadjar’s rapid adaptation in China.
“You could say Liam needed more time, especially since he knows Suzuka well,” Marko admitted. “But Isack raced in China for the first time and adapted immediately. In qualifying, he was almost as fast as Yuki.”
Marko suggested that Red Bull had to take decisive action to ensure Lawson’s career remained on track.
“We needed to do something to keep Lawson’s future in Formula 1 alive.”
Tsunoda’s Simulator Sessions Sealed the Decision
According to Marko, Red Bull didn’t make the decision lightly. Before finalizing Tsunoda’s promotion, they had him complete several simulator sessions following the Chinese Grand Prix. The results were clear: Tsunoda was the standout performer.
“We had to act quickly, and everything worked out positively,” Marko explained.
The decision also addressed past concerns about Tsunoda’s technical understanding and ability to set up the car, areas where some had previously suggested he was lacking. Marko dismissed these doubts, saying that Tsunoda had proven them wrong.
“It was said that he didn’t have enough technical knowledge and struggled with car setup. But that turned out to be untrue.”
Was Honda Involved in the Decision?
Given Tsunoda’s close ties with Honda, some speculated that the Japanese manufacturer had influenced Red Bull’s decision. However, Marko denied this, stating that Honda had no role in the final call.
“The timing of this decision, just before the Japanese Grand Prix, is purely coincidental,” Marko insisted.
“Of course, Honda is happy about it, but they were not the deciding factor. Their collaboration with Red Bull is ending this year anyway.”
Looking Ahead: Can Tsunoda Secure a Long-Term Future?
With his place at Red Bull secured for 2025, Yuki Tsunoda now has a golden opportunity to prove he belongs in the team long-term. His performance in the remainder of the season will be under intense scrutiny, but if he continues to impress, he could cement his spot beyond next year.
As for Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, their future remains uncertain, but with Red Bull’s history of sudden changes, the driver lineup debate is far from over. One thing is certain—all eyes will be on Tsunoda as he takes on the biggest challenge of his career yet.
