Helmut Marko is full of praise for Yuki Tsunoda, who delivered a very impressive weekend on home soil. His performance in Japan secured another point to add to his 2024 tally, further solidifying his position as best of the midfield. In such a critical season for Tsunoda, this strong form is very well-timed.
The 23-year-old is in his fourth campaign for the Racing Bulls, so expectations are higher than ever. This is especially true given the presence of 8-time winner Daniel Ricciardo. It is no secret he was signed last season in the hopes that he could become a candidate to join Red Bull.
However, the story of 2024 is clear: Tsunoda is the lead performer at Faenza. The Japanese driver is responsible for all seven of RB’s points this season, consistently maximising the VCARB 01. His qualifying results this year (P11, P9, P8, P10) are perhaps the best evidence of this.
SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 07: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Visa Cash App RB VCARB 01 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 07, 2024 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202404070213 // Usage for editorial use only //
MARKO PRAISES TSUNODA
Helmut Marko has been vocal about the youngster’s progress this season. When reviewing the Japanese GP, the Red Bull advisor was full of praise for the RB driver:
“At the second start, Yuki did sensationally well,” he wrote on Speedweek.
“His overtaking manoeuvres were the show of the day. The fans were completely over the moon. His weekend was at the level of Max, Alonso and Co.
“Flawless, a great performance under the pressure of his home race.”
However, there is still a long road ahead before Tsunoda can convince Red Bull he deserves a top seat. This will be especially difficult given Sergio Perez’s strong performances.
Regardless of early form, the reigning Champions have made it very clear that – despite speculation – a decision for 2025 will not be made until the summer.
Yuki Tsunoda has a strong sequence of rounds under his belt, which is always a positive. It gives him a solid platform to build upon and – just as importantly – some grace period in the event he makes the occasional error.
With Daniel Ricciardo showing promising signs in Japan, the fight at the Racing Bulls will remain very intense. Tsunoda has the advantage – and has continued to surpass expectations since 2023. Still, it is clear that nothing can be taken for granted at the Red Bull setup.
