Helmut Marko Criticizes Yuki Tsunoda After Austrian GP Qualifying Struggles
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko didn’t hold back when delivering his verdict on Yuki Tsunoda’s qualifying performance at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix. The Japanese driver failed to advance past Q1, finishing 18th, and continues to struggle with the temperamental RB21 chassis.
Tsunoda’s qualifying session was marred by high temperatures and strong winds at the Red Bull Ring, conditions that proved difficult for several drivers. But Marko was especially blunt about Tsunoda’s inability to adapt.
“With his first set, he was still somewhat within range. That would’ve even been enough for Q3. But with the changing conditions, Yuki just has a much harder time adapting. Max can drive over that,” Marko told reporters.
Red Bull’s Car Demands Precision—Tsunoda Lacking Confidence
Marko further explained that the Red Bull RB21 has an extremely narrow working window, making it unforgiving at the limit.
“When McLaren slides, the car corrects itself easily. With us, it’s always a tightrope walk between going off and just barely keeping it together.”
This fine line has been a recurring challenge for Red Bull’s secondary drivers over the years. Many—including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and now Tsunoda—have failed to match Max Verstappen’s precision and adaptability in similar machinery.
Tsunoda’s Ongoing Struggles Since Red Bull Return
After a short demotion and a switch with Liam Lawson, Tsunoda was brought back into the Red Bull seat to regain momentum. However, the results have remained inconsistent. While he’s occasionally broken into the top 10 and scored points, Q1 and Q2 eliminations have been far too common.
Lawson, now back in the Racing Bulls car, qualified P6—far ahead of Tsunoda at the Austrian GP. The contrast only sharpens the spotlight on Tsunoda’s form.
Can the Austrian GP Race Offer Redemption?
There is a historical trend of safety cars at the Red Bull Ring, which could open the door for Tsunoda to move up the order during the race. However, that opportunity will mean little unless he finds the consistency that’s been missing since his Red Bull promotion.
Austrian GP 2025 Qualifying Results – Top 10:
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Lando Norris – McLaren
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Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
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Oscar Piastri – McLaren
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Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
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George Russell – Mercedes
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Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
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Max Verstappen – Red Bull
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Gabriel Bortoleto – Sauber
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Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
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Pierre Gasly – Alpine
Final Thoughts
The pressure is mounting for Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull. As Helmut Marko’s comments suggest, the patience may be wearing thin. If Tsunoda can’t deliver on race day at his team’s home circuit, it might be Lawson—or even a new junior talent—waiting in the wings for another opportunity.
