Helmut Marko delivers troubling ‘problem’ verdict ahead of 2026 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull decision

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull are approaching the time to make a decision on their driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Previously, they had outlined that the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix would be their deadline to make a call on the matter. They’re still in the fight for second in the constructors’ championship this season, and if they do achieve it, it will mainly be down to the efforts of Max Verstappen.

Yuki Tsunoda has had a torrid time in 2025, but his results have improved recently. Points in three of his last five races show that he is trending in the right direction. An improvement in Red Bull’s processes, as well as their car, has helped, too.

Helmut Marko’s update on Tsunoda after qualifying at the United States Grand Prix had the same tone as his previous comments on the matter. Tsunoda has ‘beef’ with Liam Lawson after clashing with his ex-teammate multiple times in Austin. It may be the two of them fighting for one seat right now.

READ MORE: Martin Brundle scoffs at Yuki Tsunoda after he accused Liam Lawson of slowing him down ‘on purpose’

Helmut Marko insists Red Bull’s ‘problem’ is with their ‘driver’ as Yuki Tsunoda decision looms

Tsunoda ‘didn’t expect’ such a hard time at Red Bull, and has been caught out by how difficult it has been to achieve top 10 finishes. He has made Sergio Perez’s efforts in the same car look remarkable at times, despite his reputation being battered by the end of a taxing 2024 campaign.

Even current team boss Laurent Mekies seems confused by Tsunoda and his performances of late. His biggest problems have been over one lap, but overall, he has been way off the boil, too. He would have expected to be on the podium at least once this year.

Instead, his best result is sixth, and he lies 16th in the drivers’ standings. As Red Bull’s decision looms for 2026, Tsunoda’s hopes of being retained feel quite low. It would be hard for his team to justify keeping him over a promising young talent.

After the United States Grand Prix, Helmut Marko revealed what Red Bull’s ‘problem’ is, and it doesn’t sound like good news for Tsunoda.

“The problem is the driver, and after the Mexico City Grand Prix, we will make a decision about who will be Max’s teammate in 2026,” he said, according to journalist Omar Alvarez on X (formerly known as Twitter).

READ MORE: Red Bull have finally accepted the real ‘problem’ behind Yuki Tsunoda’s 2025 struggles in Formula 1

Who could Red Bull opt to replace Yuki Tsunoda with for 2026?

Red Bull’s main candidate for a seat in 2026 has been Isack Hadjar for some time, but there is reason to be wary of the 21-year-old.

As a rookie, he could benefit from more time to develop in a less pressured environment than he would be stepping into at Red Bull.

It’s also easy to argue that Tsunoda’s experience should pay dividends at the start of the 2026 F1 regulations, as he would get the chance to have a fresh start.

Lawson is an outsider for the gig, but has been impressive recently. It would be a surprise to see the team turn to an outsider, even if it was for one year.

Someone like Nico Hulkenberg would be ideal, but he’s under contract with Audi and has been waiting to see what that project can blossom into all season.