Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed the process it utilises for deciding the fate of its second drivers, amid Yuki Tsunoda‘s uncertain future with the Formula 1 giants.
The Milton Keynes-based squad appears to have secured the continued services of Max Verstappen, after prolonged speculation around a possible move to rivals Mercedes.
But its second driver problems go on, with Tsunoda recently earning the unenviable record of the longest point-less run of any driver in the team’s 20-year history.
Inevitable rumours swirl around the Japanese driver’s future, after having taken the place of Liam Lawson after the Chinese Grand Prix earlier in the campaign.
Speaking to F1-Insider, Marko explained the team’s usual process of weighing up the second driver’s future, confirming that all options are still open.
“Our drivers are traditionally evaluated after the summer break,” he said. “At the moment, everything is still open. We look at performance, both positive and negative.”
Tsunoda warned: ‘It’s impossible to beat Verstappen’ at Red Bull
In F1, the old adage is that the driver who should be aim to beat first is your team-mate, and at Red Bull, the second driver has an unenviably high bar to reach.
Tsunoda is Verstappen’s sixth partner at Red Bull, and with the team typically basing itself around the Dutchman, Marko fired a firm warning to him and any other potential willing team-mate.
“Whoever drives next to Max must stop trying to beat him,” the Austrian added. “He has to bring out the best for himself and the team. It is currently impossible to beat Max.”
Regardless of the perceived ruthlessness of Red Bull when it comes to its second drivers, it is undeniable that it continues to have a revolving door of talent in its junior ranks.
Sister team Racing Bulls boast the preciocious abilities of Isack Hadjar, who predictably has been the subject of longstanding speculation he could be promoted.
Additionally, Formula 2 star and Red Bull-backed youngster Arvid Lindblad has been handed a Super Licence a year early, prompting whispers about the team’s plans for him.
The added complication in Tsunoda’s situation is his secondary ties to Honda, which allegedly helped the 25-year-old secure the seat alongside Verstappen.
But the Japanese marque is ending its partnership with Red Bull at the end of the year, and will make a full return to F1 as engine supplier to Aston Martin.
This is something Marko is obviously taking into consideration, telling Krone Zeitung: “Yuki has always been a protégé of Honda and there are talks with them.
“Then we’ll see which way it goes.”
READ MORE – How Red Bull’s relationship with McLaren has changed since Christian Horner F1 exit
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