Marko: Tsunoda was like a red flag for Newey.

      On the eve of the Japanese Grand Prix, Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko gave a long interview in which he talked about the replacement in the team, the problems of the RB21 car, the chances of the title and the crisis overcome.

      Q: There are two races behind us that Red Bull failed to win. What is the situation in the team at the beginning of the season?Helmut Marko: There are certain trends from last year and this year. The RB21 is a difficult machine to drive, but it's not the fastest. Using the example of Liam Lawson, you could see how difficult it is to pilot it. The RB21 has a narrow operating range, and the slightest changes lead to exceeding its limits. However, we will gradually bring new products – I hope they will bring us back to the top.

      Q: You replaced Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after only two races. Why didn't you choose Yuki last year?Helmut Marko: For a long time, Yuki was considered an unstable rider who makes stupid mistakes from time to time. This is exactly what happened last year in Mexico City, where the decision-making phase began for us.

      Initially, it was the other way around with Lawson. He'd get behind the wheel and do the job right away, no matter how much pressure there was. Looking back, we can say that we made the wrong decision then.

      However, everything can be reduced to one incident. Tsunoda once crashed into Pierre Gasly, and the debris left on the track damaged the bottom of Max Verstappen's car, which caused him to lose the race. Adrian Newey was furious, and from that moment on, Yuki became something of a red flag for him. But now Newey is gone, and Yuki has been working hard on himself.

      Q: Do you think Tsunoda has the potential to become one of the best in Formula 1?Helmut Marko: Yes, of course. He is performing confidently after the winter break, having held two great races in which only the decisions of the team's strategists prevented him from finishing higher. Yuki's management has changed, he's just matured – in any case, he really believes in himself.

      I've heard that he expects to finish on the podium in Japan. I would be happy if Max could get on the podium.… Well, let's wait and see.

      Question: Apparently, Max was not happy about the replacement of his partner?Helmut Marko: He disagreed with our decision and continues to say that the car is very difficult to drive. That's his opinion, and there's nothing wrong with that. But our goal is a fifth title in the individual competition, and for this we need a second rider who can take points from rivals. You can't become a champion by acting alone.

      Q: Are McLaren the main contenders to win the championship?Helmut Marko: They are in the same shape now as we were in 2023. Their car is fast in any conditions, in any weather and on any highway. In China, their weaknesses first appeared, first of all, this applies to Lando Norris. But at the moment, McLaren are the absolute favorites with two strong drivers and a fast car.

      Question: What can Red Bull do against them?Helmut Marko: We need to prepare effective new products as soon as possible. Now we put them on the machine in parts, and if something doesn't work, we have to look for these weaknesses and eliminate the cause. To win the title, high-quality new items must appear on the car in the next five races, otherwise it will be too late.

      Question: You have repeatedly said that often the calculations made in the wind tunnel do not match the results that you see on the track. What is the problem?Helmut Marko: Our wind tunnel is a relic of the 1940s, built by the military. Despite the fact that it has been upgraded several times, the pipe has one drawback – it is very long and made of concrete pipes. As soon as it gets cold or hot outside, it's difficult for us to maintain the required temperature. The new wind tunnel is already under construction and should be ready in 2026.

      Incorrect correlation of data has been a big hindrance in the past year, and we are working on it. However, we don't know exactly where the error lies.

      Question: What can we expect from Formula 1 in 2026, when the new technical regulations come into force?Helmut Marko: There are huge changes ahead. Mercedes have already declared themselves the favorites, and everyone is playing along with them. There won't be much difference in internal combustion engines. We are on the right track, partly thanks to Ford's help, and we believe that we will give up a maximum of 5 kW of power – at this stage it is absolutely normal.

      The main criterion is the battery. How to cool it? How to charge quickly? First of all, these issues relate to software, and it is quite possible that someone is already far ahead in this area. But we have good specialists, many of them have transferred from Mercedes, and we have purchased the necessary equipment from AVL. But no one really knows where we are now relative to the rest.

      Q: The Cadillac team will make its debut in 2026. Will it add value to Formula 1?Helmut Marko: When one of the world's largest automakers comes to the championship with its classic brand, it only benefits Formula 1. When I was young, everyone dreamed of Cadillac cars, and now GM wants to return this brand to its former positions.

      They can be successful already in their debut season, because they start with Ferrari engines. The only thing I'm interested in is how they will cope with the fact that the factory for the production of their own engines is located in North Carolina, and the base of the team, from where the management will be carried out, is in England.

      Q: There are rumors that Sergio Perez may return to Formula 1 with Cadillac. Does he have all the necessary qualities for this?Helmut Marko: If he has recovered from the pressure of Verstappen and is really motivated, then yes. Do not forget that it is very popular in Latin America. I just talked to him on the phone – he's in a good mood and enjoying life.

      They will probably need an experienced racer. American Colton Herta is also a promising candidate.

      Question: A year ago, due to the Horner case, the team was in crisis, but it was able to overcome it. Does this indicate the strength of the project?Helmut Marko: Yes, but it will only work if everyone unites and strives for a common goal – the championship title. Now it's exactly like that again.