Yuki Tsunoda struggles at Red Bull have deepened following a disappointing last-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix, yet the Japanese driver has received unexpected backing from Helmut Marko within the team’s Milton Keynes base. As questions arose over Tsunoda’s future after four consecutive non-scoring races, Marko has pledged support instead of pursuing immediate changes.
Red Bull’s Recent Lineup Changes and Tsunoda’s Struggles
Tsunoda, 25, was brought into the Red Bull Racing squad early in the 2025 campaign, stepping in for Liam Lawson just two rounds into the season. However, this opportunity has not unfolded as hoped; Tsunoda has failed to score points in his last four outings, struggling to adapt after moving up from the Racing Bulls team. His most recent race in Styria saw him qualify 18th and finish last, hampered further by a time penalty after colliding with Franco Colapinto.
This series of underwhelming results quickly shifted what had been seen as a career breakthrough into a challenging period for Tsunoda. The Japanese driver’s difficulties echo those faced by others in Red Bull’s recent past, with drivers like Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson themselves experiencing rapid role changes under the guidance of Red Bull Head of Driver Development, Helmut Marko.
Helmut Marko Emphasizes Support Instead of Replacements
Contrary to his reputation for frequently switching drivers in pursuit of peak performance, Helmut Marko has reassured both fans and the paddock that Tsunoda remains supported within the team.
“Yuki lacks confidence. We have to think about how to stabilise him so he can deliver the performance he partially showed in Free Practice throughout the weekend.”
—Helmut Marko, Red Bull Head of Driver Development Programme
Marko’s supportive stance is notable given Red Bull’s history of making swift mid-season substitutions. The chief’s approach with Tsunoda signals a willingness to offer time and resources to help the driver recover his form inside the Red Bull car, rather than opt for another in-season change.
Tsunoda’s Reaction After Another Difficult Race
After the Austrian Grand Prix, Tsunoda appeared visibly disappointed by his performance. Despite ambitions for a turnaround at Red Bull’s home event, he struggled to climb the grid and was set back further by a penalty resulting from a racing incident with Colapinto. As the downward trend continued, Tsunoda shared his candid thoughts on the situation:
“…It has been a poor day, and I am not sure what I am doing wrong right now. It is hard to find the reason behind why I can’t get it right in this car. The one-lap pace is getting better, but in terms of long-run pace, the tyres feel like they are degrading lap by lap — and very quickly. It feels like the track is chewing the tyres, and it is really difficult to figure out why currently.”
—Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing driver
The 2018 Japanese F4 champion admitted to confusion and disappointment over his ongoing inability to get the best out of the car, particularly regarding tyre management over race distance. His remarks highlight frustration, a sense of tension, and ongoing unease within his camp as he seeks solutions and answers.
Looking Ahead to the British Grand Prix
With the next event set at Silverstone, a circuit with positive historical results for the Milton Keynes-based squad, both Red Bull Racing and Tsunoda aim to halt the negative trend. The team’s willingness to support Tsunoda, rather than consider a mid-season change, underscores their interest in stability and driver development at a moment when scrutiny over performance is intense.
How Tsunoda responds in upcoming races will shape not only his own prospects but could also influence Red Bull’s approach to nurturing and retaining talent, with other drivers like Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez firmly in focus. The British Grand Prix presents Tsunoda another opportunity to prove himself and attempt to shift the narrative following recent struggles at Red Bull.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Yuki Tsunoda the shortest F1 driver ever?
A. Yuki Tsunoda is the shortest Formula 1 driver, standing at 1.59 meters (5 feet 2 inches) tall. He has held this title since he started racing in 2021. Some people joke about his height, but it does not change his performance on the track.
Q. Why did Yuki apologize?
A. Yuki Tsunoda apologized to Red Bull after a tough race at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished in 16th place. The Japanese driver started from 18th position and had another race with slow pace at the Red Bull Ring. Once again, trouble with speed kept him from competing higher up the field.
