Revealed: How long Yuki Tsunoda will have to prove himself at Red Bull

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed how long Yuki Tsunoda will have to make an impression on the team.

Tsunoda has been called up to the senior squad ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend, having originally been overlooked for a promotion at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Red Bull chose Liam Lawson to replace the out-going Sergio Perez, but the New Zealander endured a disastrous opening two rounds to the season.

It left Red Bull in a difficult position, but it opted to swap the drivers and hand the more experienced Tsunoda the drive alongside Verstappen from Japan.

Although Lawson lasted just two races, Marko asserted Tsunoda will be granted more time.

The Austrian told BBC Sport that he will be given “to the end of the season” at Red Bull to prove himself "because we believe he can do the job”.

Tsunoda is now the most seasoned Red Bull junior driver to be promoted to the senior team, having been provided the chance in his fifth F1 campaign. 

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the year as he showcased solid pace across the opening two rounds, with his race results undone by poor strategy calls.

Marko highlighted Tsunoda's positive start to the year has given Red Bull confidence he can bring home strong results for the team.

“Tsunoda made a big step. It's strange after four years, now in his fifth year, he is a much stronger personality, he has more confidence and he did two very good races, it's just his strategy didn't work at Racing Bulls,” Marko said.

“In this case, a very difficult car experience is something that will help. That was our thoughts.”