Yuki Tsunoda revealed that Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko began to understand the significant performance gap between his car and Max Verstappen's only after strong showings at the Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix. This difference stemmed from upgrades initially fitted exclusively to Verstappen's RB21.
Why it matters
This revelation underscores potential disparities in driver evaluation and directly impacts Tsunoda's future within the Red Bull family. His ability to score points and demonstrate consistent performance is crucial for securing a 2025 contract.
The details
- Unequal Upgrades: Early upgrades were only applied to Max Verstappen's car, creating a substantial performance advantage.
- Belgian GP Boost: Tsunoda's car received a new floor in Belgium, closely mirroring Verstappen's specification. This upgrade led to his best qualifying result and improved lateral grip.
- Hungary Performance: In Hungary, Tsunoda noted a significantly reduced pace difference between himself and Verstappen during practice sessions, showcasing his car's potential post-upgrade.
What's next
Tsunoda is focused on consistent performance and scoring points to prove his worth. Helmut Marko is observing his progress closely before making a decision on his 2025 contract, which could be with either the main Red Bull team or Racing Bulls.