Inside Red Bull's Off-Season Drama: Tsunoda's Claim and Marko's Exit
Red Bull's driver lineup is in flux, with Yuki Tsunoda revealing he heard a rumor about keeping his seat just before being dropped. The move comes as Helmut Marko's controversial departure casts a shadow over the team's future.
Yuki Tsunoda has revealed he heard a rumor he would keep an F1 seat within the Red Bull family just moments before being informed he was being dropped. This claim adds a dramatic layer to the team's driver reshuffle, which sees him replaced by Isack Hadjar, and comes amid the controversial departure of long-time advisor Helmut Marko, painting a picture of instability within the top team.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's driver program has been a cornerstone of its success, but recent events suggest significant internal turmoil. The handling of Tsunoda's departure and the public fallout from Marko's exit raise serious questions about the team's culture and decision-making process. This instability could jeopardize their ability to nurture and retain talent, which is crucial for maintaining their status as a championship-contending powerhouse alongside Max Verstappen.
The details:
- Tsunoda's Rumor: The Japanese driver claims he heard a rumor about retaining a seat within the Red Bull ecosystem right before the official announcement that he would be replaced at Racing Bulls for 2026.
- The New Lineup: Isack Hadjar will step in to replace Tsunoda, while Liam Lawson and Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad are set to form the team's official driver pairing for the upcoming season.
- Marko's Explosive Exit: Helmut Marko's departure was not quiet. The 82-year-old launched a scathing attack on former team boss Christian Horner, a move that surprised many in the paddock, including former team principal Guenther Steiner.
- A Cautionary Tale: Former F1 driver Derek Daly warned that Red Bull must provide full support to newcomer Hadjar or risk repeating a pattern of lineup uncertainty, a fate that has befallen several drivers who have partnered with Max Verstappen.
What's next:
All eyes will be on Red Bull's internal dynamics as the 2026 season approaches. The team must demonstrate it can create a stable and supportive environment for its young drivers to flourish. The long-term impact of Marko's departure on the team's leadership and strategic direction remains a major question mark that could define Red Bull's future in the sport.