Helmut Marko Blames Setback for Red Bull Title Hopes

Red Bull’s Formula 1 campaign has not gone as planned this season, with Helmut Marko identifying Yuki Tsunoda as a key reason for the team giving up hopes of a constructors’ championship. Tsunoda joined Max Verstappen at Red Bull only two rounds into the year, taking over from Liam Lawson.

The team has struggled to keep pace with rivals McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes ever since. Marko specifically pointed to Tsunoda’s recent form as “obviously not satisfactory,” citing only a single point earned across the European triple-header in Imola, Monaco, and Barcelona.

After the Spanish Grand Prix, Red Bull found itself in fourth place in the standings, with 144 points—218 fewer than McLaren, who leads the table. Marko wrote that Red Bull has already written off a shot at overall victory in the constructors’ race, putting some responsibility on the second seat alongside Verstappen.

Tsunoda’s single point in the last three races underscored broader team issues, echoing struggles from last season when Sergio Perez was under similar scrutiny. While Verstappen continues to deliver strong results, Red Bull’s inability to field a consistently high-scoring teammate has left them far from title contention.

Tsunoda’s difficulties have been amplified by a crash during qualifying at Imola, which forced him to use non-matching car parts compared to Verstappen. Marko pointed out that Tsunoda has not been driving with the same car specifications since that accident—destroying the underbody and other new components—and it takes at least three weeks to prepare replacements.

Although Tsunoda often finishes close to Verstappen in practice, the time gap widens when qualifying arrives and pressure increases. Despite these setbacks, Red Bull is not planning any further driver changes during the year.

Marko stressed that Tsunoda needs more time in the car as adaptation has taken longer than expected. He acknowledged Tsunoda’s adjustment process, saying the team will continue working to provide equal equipment, hoping for improvements starting at the Canadian Grand Prix.

On the track, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have led McLaren to first place in the constructors’ championship, with the team sitting at 362 points. Ferrari follows with 165, and Mercedes holds third with 159 points.

Max Verstappen stands third in drivers’ points on 137, behind both McLaren drivers. Tsunoda’s slow start has contributed to Red Bull’s points deficit, despite Verstappen’s strong performances.

As the season moves forward, Red Bull’s focus remains on steady results rather than championship hopes. Their next opportunity comes at the Canadian Grand Prix, where the team hopes new car parts will help Tsunoda close the gap.

The current driver lineup is set in place for the rest of the year, giving Tsunoda time to find stronger form.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.