F1 pundit claims RB driver 'FORCED on' Helmut Marko

Helmut Marko, generic, Bahrain, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

F1 pundit claims RB driver 'FORCED on' Marko

Was Yuki Tsunoda pushed into RB’s lap by engine supplier Honda?

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 3 April 2024 21:00

Yuki Tsunoda has shown a steady rate of improvement since joining Formula 1 in 2021 and his current form is catching the eye of rival teams.

A seventh place finish the Japanese driver secured at the Australian Grand Prix is the sole difference between sixth and last place in the constructors’ standings for the Visa Cash App RB team.

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His more experienced team-mate Daniel Ricciardo has struggled in comparison and is 3-0 down in the qualifying head-to-head.

There was a rash moment at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix where Tsunoda showed a bit of immaturity after being forced to move over for Ricciardo, but he has cracked on with the task at hand since.

Yuki Tsunoda has performed admirably in 2024

Helmut Marko helps to oversee Red Bull's talent

What does Yuki Tsunoda's future hold?

He’s backed by Japanese engine supplier Honda and could be in with a chance of a future Aston Martin drive with the two companies set to link up beyond 2026.

Now BBC pundit Andrew Benson has claimed that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko ‘does not rate’ Tsunoda, who was ‘forced’ on him by Honda.

Yuki Tsunoda drives the Visa Cash App RB at Jeddah

But some people inside RB believe that is ‘unfair’ and that Tsunoda has been performing at an ‘elite’ level in 2024.

If he continues to outperform Daniel Ricciardo, he could find himself paired up with Kiwi driver Liam Lawson very soon, who has been patiently waiting for a shot in Formula 1 within the Red Bull programme.

Likewise, if Sergio Perez cannot consistently find form alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, then Tsunoda could be considered as a stop-gap option for the Milton Keynes based outfit.

Formula 1 Daniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Australian Grand Prix Bahrain Grand Prix