Yuki Tsunoda has shared insights on his current standing with Red Bull as speculation grows over Sergio Perez’s future with the team.
- Despite a new contract, Perez’s position at Red Bull seems uncertain due to a performance clause that might see him replaced if he falls 100 points behind Max Verstappen.
- Tsunoda, along with Daniel Ricciardo and reserve driver Liam Lawson, is on the list of potential candidates for Red Bull, yet he remains in the dark about his chances.
- In recent communications, Tsunoda revealed he hasn’t discussed a possible promotion with Christian Horner or Helmut Marko, emphasizing that Verstappen is the only driver well-informed about team plans.
- Tsunoda believes his performances this season should be enough to earn him a shot at the Red Bull seat, but for now, he focuses on maintaining strong performances.
Yuki Tsunoda has candidly opened up about his position within the Red Bull team amidst unsettling whispers surrounding Sergio Perez’s tenure. As the current season unfolds, Perez, despite his recent contract extension, might see his Red Bull chapter ending if certain performance metrics related to his standing against Max Verstappen aren’t met. This clause could potentially lead to significant changes in the team dynamics if he doesn’t close the current 141-point gap before the August break.
Red Bull seems to be keeping its options open regarding new team possibilities. Among those frequently mentioned as possible successors are Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo, alongside reserve driver Liam Lawson. However, Tsunoda claims he has yet to engage in any formal talks about stepping up to the coveted Red Bull mantle. ‘No,’ he simply stated when asked about conversations with the team’s upper management.
What’s intriguing is that Tsunoda feels confident about his track record this season, outshining some established names and proving he might well deserve a chance to show what he’s capable of at Red Bull. Yet, he mentioned, even seasoned drivers don’t seem to have these types of discussions, hinting at the closed-door nature of Red Bull’s decision-making.
Adding to this, Tsunoda revealed an encounter with Helmut Marko during the Austrian Grand Prix where Marko implied the significance of upcoming races for Tsunoda’s career. Tsunoda interpreted the advice not as a springboard into Red Bull, but rather as a cautionary message regarding his current F1 position. Reflecting on Marko’s typical approach, Tsunoda acknowledged the pressure and expectations prevalent within the team.
Despite the uncertainty, Tsunoda remains focused and unfazed by the rumor mill. He highlighted that he has already made enough impact this season in terms of race appearances and scoring points to justify his pursuit for advancement. As he gears up for the Belgian Grand Prix, Tsunoda reiterates, ‘I just focus now on the things I can control, which is performance and this race.’
Ultimately, Yuki Tsunoda continues to navigate the unpredictability of Formula 1 with determination and ambition.
