Red Bull Drops Shocking Statement on Yuki Tsunoda’s Future After Disastrous Austrian GP
Red Bull Racing has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community with a blunt statement on Yuki Tsunoda’s future following his dismal performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, their home race. The Japanese driver finished dead last among running cars, compounded by a 10-second penalty for reckless driving, raising serious doubts about his tenure with the team. As Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, criticized Tsunoda’s inability to adapt to the RB21’s narrow working window, speculation intensifies about potential replacements like Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction amid a challenging 2025 season.
Tsunoda’s weekend unraveled from qualifying, where he failed to advance beyond Q1 with a lap time over 1.5 seconds off Max Verstappen’s pace, finishing 18th. His race performance worsened, finishing 16th after a collision with Franco Colapinto earned him the penalty, a stark contrast to Verstappen’s early exit due to Kimi Antonelli’s crash. Marko minced no words, telling ORF, “With his first set, Tsunoda was within range for Q3, but he struggles to adapt to changing conditions—Max can drive over that.” He pinpointed the RB21’s tricky handling as a factor, yet Tsunoda’s own admission of being “not at the level I was at VCARB” underscores his struggles, a sentiment echoed by F1 pundit Peter Windsor, who labeled his performance “criminal” given Verstappen’s front-running potential.
The Austrian GP exposed Red Bull’s reliance on Verstappen, who scored all 155 of the team’s 162 points this season, while Tsunoda’s seven points in nine races have dragged the team to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, 218 points behind McLaren. Marko’s comments suggest impatience, with Hadjar and Lindblad—both outperforming Tsunoda at Racing Bulls—emerging as contenders. Hadjar, seventh in the standings, has impressed, while Lindblad’s recent FP1 outing at Silverstone hints at Red Bull’s interest, especially after his super license exemption. Tsunoda’s five-race Q3 drought and public frustration—“I’m not able to execute properly in qualifying”—fuel replacement rumors, with a potential mid-season exit during the summer break looming.
Red Bull’s statement signals a shift, with Marko hinting at giving Tsunoda time but emphasizing the need for improvement. Hadjar, despite Racing Bulls’ wish to retain him until 2026, could step up, potentially opening a seat for Lindblad. Tsunoda, who waited five years for this promotion, now faces the harsh reality of a seatless 2026 unless he rebounds. Fans on social platforms are split, with some defending his potential—“He just needs the right car!”—while others back Hadjar’s readiness. The RB21’s upgrades have drawn criticism, with Verstappen also voicing discontent, but his ability to qualify in Q3 highlights the performance gap.
As Silverstone approaches, the pressure mounts on Tsunoda to prove his worth, or risk being sidelined. Will Red Bull gamble on a rookie like Hadjar or Lindblad, or give Tsunoda a lifeline? The team’s next move could redefine their season, keeping F1 enthusiasts on edge for this unfolding drama.
