Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has called on Yuki Tsunoda to up his performances this year after being overlooked for a promotion to the front-running team. Tsunoda was in contention for a move to Red Bull late last year when it emerged the Milton Keynes-based squad was heading towards parting ways with Sergio Perez. However, it was Liam Lawson who instead got the call-up despite having much less F1 experience than Tsunoda. The Japanese driver will compete in his fifth season with the Red Bull sister squad this year, where he has been joined by rookie Isack Hadjar. However, doubts are already being generated over his place on the grid beyond the upcoming campaign. Marko has suggested the 24-year-old could find himself struggling to find a seat for 2026 if he does not produce strong performances this year. “Well, he has to show himself,” Marko told motorsport.com . “He has a young, fast teammate next to him and it's his own future. So yes, he has to motivate himself. “If he does well, there is still a future for him. But if he doesn't do well, there may not be a chance for him in F1.”
Tsunoda snub 'a question of mental strength'
Lawson's promotion to Red Bull comes despite having just 11 grand prix starts to his name - a stark contrast to Tsunoda's 87. However, Marko revealed Red Bull had more faith in Lawson's mental strength going forward. "I can't remember exactly when we informed Yuki, but it was mainly a question of mental strength,” Marko said. "And around Mexico, unfortunately, Yuki had two crashes and Liam did very well. “That's why we more or less looked at all the facts and the reasons for choosing Liam.”
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