Red Bull face 'critical' situation after huge Yuki Tsunoda crash

Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has claimed the spare parts situation at the Milton Keynes squad has become "critical" following Yuki Tsunoda's huge crash in qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Japanese driver barrel-rolled his RB21 during Q1 at Imola, sustaining substantial damage in the process.

Whilst the 82-year-old was relieved Tsunoda could walk away from the incident, there could be significant ramifications for the six-time constructors' champions.

The Austrian explained the 25-year-old driver will undergo further checks ahead of the grand prix in Italy, given the magnitude of his accident at Variante Villeneuve. 

"Thank God he is unhurt," Marko stated to Sky Sports Germany. "He was at the medical centre and should be examined again on Sunday. Then permission to race will follow, or not. 

“But I think it is mainly because of the roll-over that he has to undergo another fitness and health check."

Tsunoda has taken responsibility for the crash, lamenting his own "hero" antics which caused the "unnecessary" shunt, something Marko echoed.

He explained that Red Bull will now be marginal on spare parts for the remainder of the current triple-header, with rounds in Monaco and Spain to come in consecutive weeks.

"It was a mistake on his part," Marko said. "But as I said, fortunately nothing happened to him.

"It’s an incredible setback for us, because we are now working through three races in a row, including Monaco. It’s not exactly forgivable if you make a mistake there. Therefore, the situation with spare parts has really become critical."

When asked how Red Bull can best handle Tsunoda after the incident, he added: "You have to give him safety and support. And that is what we are going to do."

Tsunoda will start the grand prix from the pit lane after an extensive repair job was carried out on the RB21.