Helmut Marko has sparked excitement by suggesting that Yuki Tsunoda could match the performance levels of his Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen.
- Tsunoda has shown promising results, scoring points in three of his four race weekends with the team.
- Despite not matching Verstappen’s impressive track record yet, Tsunoda’s growth is evident.
- Marko highlights Tsunoda’s occasional struggles under pressure but remains optimistic about his potential.
- Red Bull faces challenges in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing behind Mercedes and McLaren.
Helmut Marko’s recent comments about Yuki Tsunoda have fans buzzing. The senior advisor at Red Bull sees in Tsunoda a potential to reach the high performance level of Max Verstappen, a bold claim that has turned heads. Tsunoda, who stepped into the Red Bull seat from Round 3, has managed to score points in three of the four races, notably finishing sixth in the Miami sprint. While Verstappen’s superior record overshadows Tsunoda’s current achievements, the Japanese driver is gradually finding his feet within the team.
Tsunoda’s ascension came after Liam Lawson returned to Racing Bulls. Even with the pressure that comes from being Verstappen’s teammate, Tsunoda is carving out a niche for himself. He edged out Isack Hadjar in Miami, securing the final point and proving his worth. Helmut Marko, while optimistic, notes that Tsunoda sometimes falters when the pressure mounts. ‘Unfortunately, he still makes mistakes when the pressure increases,’ Marko candidly remarks. It’s clear that while the potential is there, consistency under pressure is crucial for Tsunoda’s continued development.
The Miami Grand Prix brought mixed results for Red Bull. Max Verstappen, despite claiming back-to-back pole positions, found himself unable to fend off the surge from McLaren, finishing fourth. Oscar Piastri led a McLaren one-two finish, leaving Verstappen and Red Bull questioning their strategy. George Russell of Mercedes managed to leapfrog Verstappen, further highlighting the competitive nature of this F1 season. Marko acknowledges, ‘We simply weren’t fast enough,’ attributing the result to both Verstappen’s skills, which he dubs the ‘Max factor,’ and the McLaren’s surprising speed.
Red Bull now sits third in the Constructors’ Championship, with a significant gap behind the leading McLaren and second-placed Mercedes. The 40-second gap between Verstappen and Piastri in Miami underscores the challenges Red Bull faces. Marko describes the gap as considerable, pointing out that ‘it would have been even more if Max hadn’t driven ahead of the McLaren on the first few laps.’ As Red Bull strategizes to improve their standing, Yuki Tsunoda’s development remains a key aspect of their plans, signaling hope for better outcomes in future races.
As Red Bull navigates a challenging season, Yuki Tsunoda’s evolution could be pivotal in closing the gap with their rivals.
