Marko Updates on Tsunoda's Future After Major Red Bull Breakthrough

Yuki Tsunoda outqualified Max Verstappen for the first time in Sprint Qualifying at Lusail, a critical moment as Red Bull prepares to finalize its 2026 driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. Dr. Helmut Marko acknowledged Tsunoda's "improving performance," hinting at the significance of this timely upturn.

Why it matters:

This breakthrough performance comes at a pivotal moment for Tsunoda, whose future with Red Bull is under intense scrutiny. With driver decisions imminent, a strong showing could significantly impact his chances of retaining a seat, especially given the fierce competition for positions across Red Bull's two F1 teams. His ability to outperform a multiple world champion, even in a Sprint Quali, underscores his potential when all elements align.

The details:

• Historic Out-qualification: Yuki Tsunoda made history at the Lusail International Circuit by outqualifying teammate Max Verstappen in Sprint Qualifying, securing fifth place by a margin of 0.009 seconds.
• Timely Performance: This achievement, occurring late in a season where Tsunoda has generally struggled to match Verstappen's pace, is particularly impactful as Red Bull is set to decide its 2026 driver lineup after the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
• Marko's Observations: Helmut Marko noted that Tsunoda's performance has been consistently improving, citing his strong showing in Las Vegas as an earlier indicator. Marko emphasized Tsunoda's increased involvement and interest in the technical aspects of the car.
• Driver Confidence: Tsunoda attributed his P5 to a "clean race weekend" and increased confidence in his RB21. He highlighted the importance of a smooth practice and qualifying without issues, allowing him to put everything together.

What's next:

The driver market for Red Bull is heating up, with decisions expected shortly after the Qatar Grand Prix. While Tsunoda's recent performance is a boost, the competition for seats is intense.

• Upcoming Decisions: Marko confirmed that Red Bull will announce its driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls next week.
• Fierce Competition: Current speculation suggests Isack Hadjar might be promoted to the senior team, with Tsunoda and Liam Lawson potentially vying for a Racing Bulls seat alongside Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad.
• Tsunoda's Challenge: Despite his recent success, Tsunoda faces an uphill battle in a brutal F1 environment where consistency is key. His ability to maintain this improved form will be crucial in securing his place in the Red Bull family for 2026 and beyond.

Between the lines:

Tsunoda's performance against Verstappen, even if in a Sprint Quali, showcases his raw speed and potential when he's confident and the car is optimized. This moment of brilliance serves as a powerful, last-minute argument for his retention, demonstrating that he can deliver under pressure. However, the Red Bull driver development program is notoriously unforgiving, and one strong outing might not be enough to override a season of mixed results, especially with other promising talents in the pipeline.