Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will stay with the team through the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. This comes after Tsunoda was chosen over Liam Lawson for the main team—a decision highlighted by Lawson’s underwhelming performance in recent races.
After the Chinese Grand Prix, where Lawson struggled significantly, Red Bull made the call to promote Tsunoda. Marko assured fans that Tsunoda’s position is solid and that the team is set on moving forward with him.
“Yuki Tsunoda will finish the season,” Marko asserted in a recent interview. This statement is important because it indicates Red Bull’s commitment to Tsunoda despite previous doubts about his performance. Just a few months ago, the team hesitated to give him the drive.
Marko mentioned that Tsunoda has shown improvement, especially after changing his management. The newly gained confidence and performance in races like those in Melbourne and Shanghai played a significant role in this decision. He pooh-poohed the idea that Lawson was the better driver, saying, “Yuki has undergone a transformation.” This showcases how critical mindset and support can be for athletes.
Experience is key in Formula 1, and Tsunoda’s fifth year in the sport is beginning to work in his favor. Marko noted that experience helps drivers stay steady under pressure, a point echoed by many analysts in motorsport. Tsunoda has faced his share of difficulties, but his recent simulator sessions showed marked improvement, convincing Red Bull to stick with him.
Interestingly, Honda’s backing of Tsunoda has not influenced this decision, even as the company’s F1 involvement is set to end soon. Marko emphasized that Honda’s support was a bonus but not the determining factor. “The decision was based on Yuki’s performance, not on Honda’s influence,” he stated.
If any benchmarks for performance exist, Tsunoda seems to have a bit more breathing room, especially when compared to Lawson’s earlier ineffectiveness on the track. Marko noted that “Don’t forget, Liam Lawson qualified 20th twice,” which highlights the struggles new drivers often face in the sport.
As fans look forward to upcoming races, they might want to keep an eye on how Tsunoda performs against his competition. Data from recent seasons show that drivers who gain confidence often see an uptick in their race results. The 2023 season is shaping up to be a turning point for Tsunoda, who is eager to prove he can handle the challenges ahead.
For more insights on driver performances and team dynamics in Formula 1, check out this article from Motorsport.com.
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Source linkRed Bull Racing,Yuki Tsunoda,Formula 1
