Red Bull's long-standing skepticism over Yuki Tsunoda's promotion to their main Formula 1 team has resurfaced, with deputy Helmut Marko pointing to the Japanese driver's inconsistency as a critical factor in the decision. As Sergio Perez's tenure at Red Bull looks increasingly uncertain, Tsunoda has expressed his frustration at being sidelined despite his remarkable performances this season.
Tsunoda's strong season overshadowed by Lawson's rise
Tsunoda has been a bright spot for Red Bull's sister team RB this year, scoring 30 of the team's 46 points and consistently outperforming his teammates. However, the 23-year-old finds himself overshadowed by Liam Lawson, widely seen as the favorite candidate for promotion to Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen in 2025.
Despite driving an RB20 in the upcoming end-of-season test, Tsunoda remains in the dark regarding his prospects. Speaking candidly at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Tsunoda expressed his frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding his future.
“I don’t know if I’m in the mix. Even if they say, 'Yuki is in the mix,' I don't know if that's true,” Tsunoda said. “I’m just going to keep pushing and controlling what I can. Historically, consistently outperforming your teammate leads to promotion. Maybe something has changed at Red Bull.”
Marko's Verdict: Speed Without Stability
Helmut Marko acknowledged Tsunoda's raw talent but highlighted concerns over his ability to perform consistently under pressure.
“Yuki has the speed, but he lacks continuity and stability,” Marko said in an interview with Small newspaper. “When it works for him, it works very well, but he is also prone to avoidable mistakes.”
Tsunoda's erratic performances earlier in the season, including costly mistakes in Brazil, have left Red Bull wondering if he can handle the demands of competing at the highest level.
Perez Plane's Decision on Abu Dhabi
With Sergio Perez's future hanging by a thread after a tumultuous season, Red Bull are expected to make a decision on their 2025 line-up after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Marko confirmed that a meeting scheduled for Monday will determine Perez's fate and potentially Tsunoda's future with the team.
“There will be a meeting on Monday after Abu Dhabi, and that's when the decisions will be made,” Marko said.
Tsunoda's Frustration Reaches Its Climax
Tsunoda made no secret of his disappointment at being overlooked despite performing beyond expectations this year. The driver suggested that Red Bull's decision-making dynamics may have changed since the death of company founder Dietrich Mateschitz, known for his direct involvement in team operations.
“For my part, I don't find many reasons why I'm not talked about a lot,” Tsunoda said. “Red Bull have always been a team that rewards success, so this seems like an unusual situation.”
What's Next for Tsunoda?
As Red Bull weighs its options, Tsunoda heads into the season finale in Abu Dhabi with what could be his last chance to claim promotion. Although Marko's comments suggest the door is not entirely closed, Tsunoda faces a daunting challenge in convincing Red Bull decision-makers that he has what it takes to replace Perez.
With Liam Lawson on hold and Red Bull's notoriously high standards, Tsunoda's future at the forefront of Formula 1 remains uncertain. Will Abu Dhabi be the scene of Tsunoda's redemption, or the final chapter of his Red Bull journey? Only the future will tell us.
