Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has confirmed the team will continue to support Yuki Tsunoda, ruling out a second driver change this season.
Why it matters
Tsunoda's performance alongside Max Verstappen has been inconsistent, leading to questions about his future despite recent improvements.
The context
- Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson after the Chinese Grand Prix, joining the RB21 alongside Max Verstappen.
- He has struggled to match Verstappen's pace, a common challenge for the four-time world champion's teammates.
- Statistically, Tsunoda is the first Red Bull driver in team history to have seven consecutive point-less races (excluding retirements).
- He has also had four Q1 exits in the last eight Grands Prix.
- Only 7 of Red Bull's 194 points this season have been scored by Tsunoda.
The alternative
- Calls have emerged to promote rookie Isack Hadjar, who has performed well at Racing Bulls and outscored Lawson.
Recent progress
- Tsunoda showed improvement during the Belgium-Hungary double-header.
- He received a new floor at Spa-Francorchamps, reaching Q3 at the historic venue.
- In Hungary, he was within two-tenths of Verstappen's pace.
What's next
Red Bull's decision to back Tsunoda indicates a belief in his potential despite statistical challenges, focusing on recent signs of progress.