Yuki Tsunoda, the young Japanese driver for Red Bull Racing, is facing increasing criticism for his underwhelming performance this season despite strong support from Helmut Marko, a senior consultant at Red Bull. The spotlight on Tsunoda’s Red Bull performance has intensified as he has yet to meet the expectations set for him in Formula 1’s top tier.
Missed Opportunities and Team Decisions Impacting Tsunoda’s Career
After Sergio Perez announced his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024, many believed Tsunoda would be the natural successor. However, Red Bull surprised fans and insiders by selecting Liam Lawson ahead of Tsunoda for a key team slot. Tsunoda’s eventual promotion came at the Suzuka Grand Prix, yet he has struggled to make a significant impact since.
Performance Issues Affecting Red Bull’s Championship Standing
So far this season, Tsunoda has accumulated only five points, largely due to poor qualifying results that have limited his race-day opportunities. This shortfall has contributed to Red Bull Racing falling behind McLaren by 200 points in the Constructors’ Championship. Marko highlighted the core problem, saying,
Yuki started well, but he hasn’t achieved the success we expected from him. He needs to translate his speed into points.
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull Consultant
Speculation Around Tsunoda’s Future Amid Mid-Season Replacement Rumors
There are persistent rumors about a potential mid-season replacement for Tsunoda, with Hadjar named as a possible candidate. Despite this speculation, Marko has publicly defended Tsunoda’s abilities and progress, emphasizing his talent and personal development within the squad. The consultant remains optimistic that Tsunoda can improve his results during the remaining races.
The Road Ahead for Tsunoda and Red Bull Racing
As scrutiny grows and the pressure mounts, the coming weeks will be critical for Tsunoda’s position within Red Bull Racing. The driver must convert his evident speed into consistent points to justify his place and contribute to the team’s championship ambitions. Observers and experts alike are watching closely to see if he can silence his critics and help Red Bull close the gap on their rivals.
