Mekies Urges 'Mega Important' Tsunoda Support for Verstappen's Title Push

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has made a crucial plea for Yuki Tsunoda's top-tier performance in the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, emphasizing its 'mega important' role in Max Verstappen's championship fight. With Verstappen trailing Lando Norris by just 12 points, Tsunoda's ability to finish high up the grid could be the deciding factor in securing the title for Red Bull.

Why it matters:

The Formula 1 world championship is coming down to the wire, with only one race left in the 2025 season. The narrow 12-point gap between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris means every position on the track, especially among midfield contenders, could sway the championship outcome. Tsunoda's performance could directly impact Norris's finishing position, making his role pivotal in Verstappen's bid for the title.

The Details:

• Crucial Scenario: Max Verstappen needs to win in Abu Dhabi, and Lando Norris must finish fifth or lower for Verstappen to secure the championship. Tsunoda's strong performance could push Norris further down the order, making the task easier for Verstappen.
• Mekies's Plea: Laurent Mekies highlighted how Norris fell back into the pack in Qatar, emphasizing the potential for a similar situation where Tsunoda's presence at the front could be decisive. "It is mega important. As you know, it could be done to the last point. It could be mega important," Mekies stated.
• Tsunoda's Recent Performance: Despite a challenging season, Tsunoda had a strong weekend in Qatar, finishing P5 in the sprint race—his best result of the season. He also qualified within three-tenths of Verstappen in Q1, signaling a potential uplift in form.
  • "He has done a strong weekend this weekend with us. Strong on Friday, strong in the sprint, P5, I think it's his best result with us this season," Mekies commented.
• Past Struggles: Tsunoda has faced difficulties in making a consistent impact since replacing Liam Lawson at the start of the season. His P10 finish in Qatar marked his first points since the Austin Grand Prix in October. His season-best finish was P6 in Baku, and he has only secured a top-10 finish six times this season.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's strategy in Abu Dhabi will likely involve maximizing both drivers' potential to counter McLaren. The championship's tight nature means that traditional team orders might not be enough; strong individual performances across the board will be essential. Tsunoda's ability to perform under pressure and secure points, or at least strategically influence the race, will be a testament to Red Bull's overall strength and depth.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to see if Yuki Tsunoda can deliver the 'mega important' performance that Laurent Mekies is counting on. If Tsunoda can secure a strong finish, it could provide the crucial support Max Verstappen needs to clinch the championship. However, given his inconsistent season, this remains a significant challenge, making the final race even more unpredictable and thrilling.