Helmut Marko leaves door open for Yuki Tsunoda’s debut Red Bull outing
Helmut Marko didn't deny the possibility of Yuki Tsunoda moving up the chain at the Red Bull family and joining the top team.
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Helmut Marko Yuki Tsunoda (images via IMAGO)
The drivers’ lineup in VCARB saw changes in the past couple of seasons amidst failing performance from multiple drivers. However, Yuki Tsunoda remained constant in his performances and stayed with the team. The Japanese driver has been performing well in the past few seasons and could dream of a move up the chain to Red Bull, as noted by Helmut Marko.
Yuki Tsunoda was previously rumored to ditch the Red Bull family to join the Haas F1 team. These rumors quickly dumbed down after he landed a contract extension with RB. Hence, following a mediocre outing at the US GP and finishing P14, Helmut Marko was still positive regarding Tsunoda’s chances at Red Bull.
Marko reckoned that the team wanted to provide Tsunoda with an opportunity in a Red Bull chassis. The former pointed out that he had already discussed this situation with Christian Horner as the latter didn’t rule out the possibility of Tsunoda to Red Bull. The 81-year-old believed the team needed to ‘proceed properly’ as nothing was finalized yet.
We want to at least give him the opportunity to showcase his ability. I’ve also spoken directly with Christian about this. He hasn’t ruled it out. Nothing has been decided yet, but I think we need to proceed properly.
Helmut Marko told motorsport.com
Red Bull ‘believes’ in Yuki Tsunoda to have the talent to join Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda had previously claimed that it would be weird if Red Bull were to favor Liam Lawson over him at Red Bull. This meant that even Tsunoda was desperate for a move up the chain to the top team. Helmut Marko noted that the Japanese driver had the talent required to join Red Bull. Hence, despite the final decisions being on the team, the 24-year-old was likely to test in a Red Bull chassis.
We believe he has the talent. Of course, driver decisions are ultimately up to the team, but as a partner we’ve strongly requested that Tsunoda be given the chance to drive and test in a Red Bull car.
Helmut Marko added
RB’s performance in the 2024 season has been decent as they are fighting with Haas for the sixth spot. Yuki Tsunoda has constantly scored points this season with a few hitches along the way. Regardless, Tsunoda is highly likely to be considered to join Red Bull after Sergio Perez is ousted from the team.
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Aditya Pandya
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