“But I am not Helmut Marko,” Pierre Gasly takes a dig at Red Bull for not promoting Yuki Tsunoda
Pierre Gasly asserted that if he was Helmut Marko he would've promoted Yuki Tsunoda alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
Follow Us
Pierre Gasly Yuki Tsunoda, Helmut Marko (images via IMAGO)
Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda being former teammates at Alpha Tauri shared a strong bond. Gasly mentioned what he feels about Tsunoda recently, when the Japanese driver opened up about his frustrations. The Frenchman said the 24-year-old deserves more than what he has achieved. Red Bull was on the verge of replacing Sergio Perez with Daniel Ricciardo, although this did not happen. Pierre Gasly reckoned the Japanese driver must be given the chance in the Red Bull cockpit.
Pierre Gasly sated that he always knew Yuki Tsunoda was very fast. According to Gasly, Tsunoda had shown his speed consistently over the past few seasons and will keep demonstrating it. The 28-year-old mentioned that he has had conversations with his Ex-teammate about this. He knows that the 24-year-old wants more opportunities and feels he deserves better. He can assure giving tough competition to Max Verstappen if they gave him a chance.
I always said Yuki is very fast. I have seen it. He has proved it over the past few seasons and he will continue to prove it. I have talked to him about it, we have had conversations and I know he wants more and feels he deserves more.Pierre Gasly told Autosport
Gasly mentioned that right now it’s not an easy situation for Tsunoda. He expressed that he personally would have liked to see his former teammate get a chance to race for Red Bull. However, Gasly acknowledged that he is not the person making those decisions, referring to Helmut Marko, who is responsible for such decisions at Red Bull. Therefore, the Frenchman believed the 24-year-old should get a chance to demonstrate his skills in Red Bull, while recognizing that he does not have control over team decisions.
It’s not an easy position. Personally, I would have liked him to get a chance at Red Bull, but I am not Helmut Marko.Pierre Gasly added.
Pierre Gasly insists Yuki Tsunoda to keep doing what he does
Pierre Gasly mentioned he was in the same situation as Yuki Tsunoda is in currently. He advised Tsunoda to continue doing what he has been doing. Gasly explained that, if the RB driver remains competitive and performs well, the opportunity he deserves will knock on his door soon. This encouragement highlighted the deep meaning of their friendship despite being rivals on track. Staying on his trajectory would ultimately benefit the 24-year-old in the long run.
I have been in a similar position to him. What I say to him is: Just keep doing what you are doing. As long as you are competitive, at some point you will get the right place.Pierre Gasly stated
Certainly, Pierre Gasly felt that his colleague should receive a better opportunity due to his performance in the last 14 races. The Frenchman believed that if Red Bull decided to find a new teammate for Max Verstappen, they should consider Tsunoda first.
In case you missed it:
- Andretti-Cadillac could reportedly acquire Renault’s half-developed 2026 power units for F1 entry
- Red Bull envisions ‘troubled days’ ahead of F1 entry with its own ‘engine’ in 2026
Stay Updated!
Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)