Yuki Tsunoda shares what Red Bull director Helmut Marko told him about F1 future

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Yuki Tsunoda will feel he should be first in line for the potential vacancy at Red Bull. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko are planning to meet after the Belgian Grand Prix to discuss the future of Sergio Perez.

Tsunoda stands out as the most logical replacement. He’s been the stronger driver at Red Bull junior team RB this season.

The 24-year-old has scored double the points of Daniel Ricciardo (22 vs 11) when the Australian was expected to have the edge. Ricciardo started the year a ‘dead-cert’ to replace Perez if he delivered, having won eight Grands Prix in his career.

But Tsunoda is leading him 9-4 in qualifying and 8-5 in the races so far. His consistency has been his biggest advantage.

He’s reached Q3 eight times to Ricciardo’s three, and has also scored points in seven different races. Red Bull activated their one-year extension option in June, but he’ll be hoping for more amid the uncertainty around Perez.

Tsunoda is now 76 races into his F1 career after joining the team at the start of 2021. He’s on course for his highest championship finish to date (12th).

Yuki Tsunoda feared for F1 future after Helmut Marko discussion

Speaking to media outlets including Planet F1 ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Tsunoda relayed what he’d heard behind the scenes. Executive director Helmut Marko told him in Austria that there was a particularly ‘important’ stretch of races ahead.

He finished a disappointing 14th in Spielberg, which left him concerned about his F1 future rather than thinking about his Red Bull prospects. He says it’s customary for Marko to apply ‘pressure’ even after a brief blip.

Tsunoda responded with back-to-back points finishes in Great Britain and Hungary. But he hasn’t heard any more about a possible promotion.

“He told me in Austria that the next three races would be important for the future, but Austria wasn’t good,” he said. “So I was thinking: ‘OK, maybe he’s talking about my future regarding my Formula 1 seat rather than the Red Bull seat!’

“So I was not really thinking or asking deeply about that. And it’s typical of Helmut that if I didn’t perform well for two races, or one race, immediately he comes to you and puts on pressure.

“So it was kind of a usual day for me. But after that, it was quite clear what I did at Silverstone in Hungary. Other than that. I haven’t had any conversations.”

What Christian Horner said about Yuki Tsunoda in F1 paddock conversation

Sky Sports F1 pundit Anthony Davidson expects Red Bull to call up Liam Lawson if they axe Perez. That reflects the overriding feeling in the paddock right now.

There’s no getting away from the fact that this would be a snub for Tsunoda. The team would be favouring a reserve who’s spent the year on the sidelines.

But speaking to one journalist, Horner questioned Tsunoda’s mental strength. And this speaks to persistent doubts around the Japanese driver even in the midst of his strongest season.

Given that the Red Bull leadership clearly don’t rate him, he may be wise to consider alternative options. Tsunoda could potentially join Aston Martin after they form their Honda engine partnership, but that move would have to wait until 2027 after Fernando Alonso retires.