Marko maintains that Tsunoda remains a contender for Red Bull.

      "We all still have hope for Yuki"

      19 September 2025 - 10:19

      Dr. Helmut Marko has stated that Yuki Tsunoda has not been excluded from Red Bull’s future, despite the ongoing rumors suggesting that the Japanese driver will be let go entirely. "Since his promotion, Laurent Mekies has been extremely busy in all areas. He hasn’t found the time to focus on Yuki in detail yet," Marko shared with Kleine Zeitung before the Baku GP. "But we all still believe in Yuki. His aim for the remainder of the year should be to consistently finish in the points. After that, we’ll evaluate how things unfold next year."

      The 82-year-old Austrian advisor indicated that decisions would not be finalized until late October or later. "What’s certain is that Verstappen and Hadjar have contracts," Marko mentioned. "However, where and in which position remains uncertain."

      Isack Hadjar arrived in Baku amidst speculation that his 2026 seat with Red Bull is already secured. "I find it quite amusing because I haven’t signed anything," the French rookie commented with a smile. "Honestly, I don’t care what anyone writes. After Monza, I spent five days at home and had more important things to do than scroll through social media."

      Marko confirmed to Osterreich that no decisions have been made yet. "We’re still taking our time with that decision," he remarked. Tsunoda also dismissed the circulating rumors. "That has nothing to do with the facts. I’m solely focused on what I can control," he stated. "Rumors are just that—rumors. They hold no weight because they aren’t facts." He asserted that his performance alongside Max Verstappen is on the rise. "In Monza, I was within two tenths consistently. People in the team have noticed my improvement."

      Meanwhile, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson admitted that his main focus is simply to remain on the F1 grid. "For us drivers, the key priority is to be in Formula 1, so we’re concentrating on securing a seat," he told reporters. "At this moment, it’s mainly discussions with Red Bull and trying to ensure a spot where I am. Most other seats are almost filled." Lawson even shared some advice with Hadjar regarding a possible promotion to Red Bull Racing. "In the end, we’re all racing drivers - we must have enough self-confidence to be in the sport. Just concentrate on the job, prepare as well as you can, and don’t pay attention to all that’s said."