2025-04-30T00:00:00Z

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In a recent analysis of Yuki Tsunoda's performance since joining Red Bull Racing, Dr. Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for the team, shared his thoughts after Tsunoda's initial three races. This evaluation comes shortly after Tsunoda stepped in for Liam Lawson at the Japanese Grand Prix, forming a partnership with the reigning four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, for the remainder of the 2025 season.

The decision to promote Tsunoda was reportedly influenced by a substantial offer from Honda, who is believed to have provided Red Bull with 10 million to facilitate Tsunoda's elevation to the team in time for their home Grand Prix. Tsunoda's debut race saw him qualify in fourteenth place, ultimately finishing twelfth, while his teammate, Verstappen, celebrated a victory.

In his second race in Bahrain, Tsunoda showcased his potential by securing his first points for Red Bull with a commendable ninth-place finish. However, his performance in the subsequent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was less fortunate as he retired early in the race due to damage sustained from a first-lap collision with fellow driver Pierre Gasly. This incident highlighted both the unpredictability of racing and the challenges faced by newer drivers in high-pressure situations.

Reflecting on Tsunoda's performance at Red Bull, Dr. Marko acknowledged that the young driver possesses the necessary skills to maintain his position within the team. He stated, In free practice, when the pressure is not so high, hes missing two or three tenths compared to other drivers. However, he is improving. Marko pointed out that during qualifying sessions, Tsunoda tends to push a bit too hard, which affects his overall performance. He remains optimistic about Tsunoda's trajectory, indicating that he is on the right path to contributing essential points for the team.

When pressed for specifics on areas where Tsunoda could improve, Marko emphasized the importance of delivering under pressure during qualifying sessions. He compared Tsunoda's confidence-building process to that of Verstappen, noting, Max has a different approach. He builds confidence throughout the week, whereas Yuki needs to work on that aspect. Marko highlighted that Verstappen's established confidence in the car plays a significant role in his performance.

In response to these assessments, Tsunoda expressed his determination to enhance his skills and competitive edge. Im trying to harness that experience, and I know that if I can unlock that area, I might be able to outperform Max, he commented. Tsunoda acknowledged the gap between his performance and Verstappens but remains focused on developing a solid foundation from which to improve. I understand that I cant beat him immediately, so my goal is to build a strong baseline and wait for the right moment to elevate my performance, he added.