Red Bull is in a pickle and it’s not about their energy drinks. David Croft from Sky’s The F1 Show has made things quite clear: Yuki Tsunoda isn’t the teammate Max Verstappen needs if Red Bull wants to reclaim the Constructors’ Championship.
Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, Red Bull has been in a constant search for a driver who can match the prowess of Max Verstappen. It seems that the team has been trying and failing to fill that void, with Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and now Yuki Tsunoda not quite meeting the high expectations. Despite Sergio Perez managing to win a race, none have consistently challenged Verstappen’s dominance. Max Verstappen has proven to be in a league of his own, winning numerous races and securing four World titles, illustrating the stark contrast with his teammates.
The stats speak volumes about this imbalance. During their stint as teammates, Verstappen amassed a staggering 100 points from six races, winning two of them, whereas Tsunoda only scored seven points. This performance gap has left Verstappen doing the heavy lifting for Red Bull, contributing the majority of the team’s 143 points compared to McLaren’s 319 in the Constructors’ Championship. Clearly, Red Bull’s decision to have Tsunoda as Verstappen’s partner has not paid off, as evidenced by their third-place standing.
David Croft, on the Sky’s The F1 Show podcast, commented that Red Bull needs a driver who is more than just promising; they need someone proven. He suggested Carlos Sainz, who was on the market and had a background of victories with Ferrari. “I personally think they’ve got the wrong driver still,” Croft stated. Despite his potential, Tsunoda has yet to demonstrate he can consistently finish on the podium or secure race wins. Croft’s argument is that if Red Bull is serious about the Constructors’ Championship, they should’ve targeted a player like Carlos Sainz, although his recent long-term contract with Williams has removed that option.
With Carlos Sainz off the table, the focus shifts to other potential candidates. Croft has proposed that George Russell, whose contract with Mercedes concludes at the end of the current season, could be a strategic acquisition for Red Bull. The combination of Russell and Verstappen might not only intrigue fans but also provide the competitive edge Red Bull needs. Croft acknowledged that while Russell and Verstappen have had their fair share of competitive run-ins, there’s no palpable hostility between them, and their rivalry could be advantageous for the team.
Croft’s remarks underscore the urgency for Red Bull to reconsider their driver lineup. As the F1 landscape continues to evolve, Red Bull finds itself at a crossroads. Is Yuki Tsunoda equipped to be a consistent podium contender? The numbers and performances suggest otherwise, prompting questions about Red Bull’s strategies moving forward.
Red Bull, yearning for the glory of a Constructors’ Championship, faces a tough decision on their team roster. The focus remains on finding a fitting partner for the formidable Max Verstappen. With suggested alternatives like George Russell potentially becoming available, the race to find the right teammate for Verstappen intensifies. Croft’s insights highlight a critical juncture for Red Bull—a decision that could redefine their future performances on the track.
