Yuki Tsunoda's future with Red Bull remains open

Team advisor Helmut Marko indicates that Yuki Tsunoda still has a chance to keep his seat at Red Bull despite recent struggles.

Yuki Tsunoda's chances for Red Bull F1 seat remain uncertain

Yuki Tsunoda is not yet out of the running for a spot with Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2026, according to team advisor Helmut Marko. While Tsunoda has faced challenges since his promotion, his performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he qualified closely to Verstappen despite a disappointing finish, shows potential. Tsunoda, who has scored just seven points this season and is currently on a seven-race streak without a top-10 finish, is under scrutiny. Marko acknowledged the pressure is on Tsunoda, stating the team will evaluate driver performance after the summer break. New team principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda’s improvements and emphasized that the team is dedicated to enhancing his performance for the remainder of the season.

The situation surrounding Yuki Tsunoda and his future with Red Bull reflects the ongoing transition and evaluation phases within the team. As Tsunoda grapples with performance inconsistencies, the backing from Marko and Mekies indicates a commitment to developing his potential. While the competition for the second seat at Red Bull remains fierce, Tsunoda's recent close qualifying times relative to Verstappen suggest that his skills are progressing. The key will be whether he can translate that potential into consistent race results, especially as the end of the season looms. Red Bull's decision-making process, particularly regarding driver contracts, adds layers of pressure on Tsunoda, making every race critical for his future.

Highlights

As the season unfolds, Tsunoda's progress will be crucial for his racing career.