Helmut Marko reveals Yuki Tsunoda vow ahead of Red Bull finale

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed a promise Yuki Tsunoda made ahead of his final race with the team.

The Milton Keynes-based squad announced earlier this week that Tsunoda would depart the squad at the end of the 2025 campaign.

The Japanese driver will carry out test and reserve driver duties for the team next year, having also missed out on a spot at the sister Racing Bulls outfit.

Tsunoda has struggled for form throughout the campaign and has been a consistent resident outside the top 10.

Despite entering the upcoming round knowing it may be his last in F1, Marko asserted Tsunoda is determined to end his season on a high.

“He sees this as his big opportunity and is even more motivated,” Marko told Kleine Zeitung.

“Yuki wants to prove himself to everyone.”

Tsunoda enters the weekend with a chance to help team-mate Max Verstappen seal a fifth F1 title.

Marko has stated that in a recent conversation with Tsunoda, he vowed he would put on a “spectacular” show in Abu Dhabi.

“Yuki’s form is improving, which he hasn’t yet been able to translate into qualifying,” he said. 

“He’ll certainly put on a spectacular show; he told me that over dinner.”