Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda’s performance will be evaluated after the summer break, which will decide his future with the team. Tsunoda’s current Red Bull contract expires after the current season.

The Japanese driver was promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull after the Chinese Grand Prix, replacing Liam Lawson, who was demoted to take his seat in the junior F1 team. Despite the positive move for Tsunoda, he has struggled to adapt to the RB21 F1 car, much like Lawson and his predecessor, Sergio Perez.

Red Bull’s challenger is reportedly suited to Max Verstappen, and thus, his teammates have found it difficult to get used to an otherwise sensitive car. Despite securing just 7 points in the 12 rounds since his promotion, the positive point for Tsunoda is that he is getting closer to Verstappen’s pace.

The previous Hungarian Grand Prix weekend saw him get knocked out in Q1 in qualifying, but his pace was three-tenths off of Verstappen’s, who qualified in P8. Tsunoda ended up starting from the pit lane due to an engine penalty, as Red Bull fitted a fifth power unit in his RB21 exceeding the prescribed limit of 4 power units. Marko explained that the decision to swap power units in Hungary was a strategic one. He said:

“Because he would have to change at maybe Monza or Zandvoort. And I think because of his starting position, it was strategically better to do it here.”

The 82-year-old advisor confirmed an improvement in Tsunoda’s pace in qualifying as he closes the gap to his four-time world champion teammate. He added:

“He was as near as never before, one-tenth he was behind. But unfortunately, he was dropped out in Q1. He’s moving up.”

However, Tsunoda’s future with Red Bull is still unclear for the 2026 season. Marko confirmed that the team is looking at all aspects for a future decision. He said:

“Our driver evaluation traditionally takes place after the summer break. At the moment, everything is open. We’re looking at performances – both positive and negative.”

Tsunoda opened up about the challenges he faces with the car, but remains confident about overcoming them. He said:

“I didn’t see yet so far the driver who probably got used to it in that car straight away. So that’s probably the fact. But at the same time, I feel I’m in the right direction, at least on the short runs.

“Also in terms of the whole package, I know there’s something to come as well into this year compared to Max. So once I get the full package, I still have good confidence that I can be in a level that they want. That’s what I’m working hard on.

“In terms of the long run is exactly the place that I’m still probably struggling at, but I’ll find a way. I saw a couple of driving styles that I can try that I never tried in my career in Formula 1. It’s just the learning stuff.”