Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed his unhappiness with AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Tsunoda has shown glimpses of promise this season, and has had the pace at times to match his reputation in Formula 2. However, the general consensus about the Japanese F1 rookie is that he is a short-tempered hothead with a mistake in him.
Marko expressed his unhappiness with that trait of Tsunoda’s. Speaking to Red Bull-owned publication Speedweek, Marko gave his thoughts on the same.
“Hmmm, the head is not only there to put on the helmet, but also to think,” Marko said.
Marko, however, said he would refrain from doing a complete assessment until the end of the season. With AlphaTauri yet to confirm their driving line-up for next season, Tsunoda still has the chance to impress his superiors. Marko affirmed the same, saying that the second half of the season can still be the opportunity for the Japanese driver.
“He’s young, with a lot of Japanese mentality, but he makes mistakes when they are not necessary at all, like in a first training session. But it will be fine. He still has time,” Marko said.
Elite competitor
Marko may have been reserved about Tsunoda, but he was all praises for his teammate Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman has improve his game significantly after being demoted from the Red Bull A-team. In fact, his performances have been so consistent that he is linked with a return to the Red Bull seat to partner Max Verstappen.
Marko announced that Red Bull would reveal who Verstappen’s teammate will be after the summer break. Gasly is the favourite for a new name, but current driver Sergio Perez can also retain it. Whatever that is, Marko assured that Gasly will not be leaving the Red Bull family.
“To clarify, we have an optional contract on Gasly’s services until 2023, which we will also use. All other rumours are nonsense,” Marko said.
“He is definitely driving his strongest season. And he is extremely important as team leader for AlphaTauri, the team has become a top team in midfield,” he concluded.
Read more: Helmut Marko blasts out at F1’s double standards following Vettel’s disqualification
Just like Verstappen when he first came into F1
I really wish that Marko would pack his bags and go away and maybe take his Lacky Horner with him. I have pretty much lost all respect for them both and the end result is Red Bull will suffer as a consequence. Sure everyone is allowed an opinion, but of late these guys just keep on and on and on about recent events. Suck it up Buttercups. ITS RACING. So grow a pair and move on and stop with all this Bull 5hit.