Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has acknowledged Max Verstappen isn’t happy with the decision to swap Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, but believes the choice will benefit the Dutchman’s pursuit of a fifth Formula 1 Drivers’ title.
Reports from Dutch media ahead of Red Bull’s ruthless decision to swap Lawson and Tsunoda after just two Grands Prix indicated that the Dutchman wasn’t keen on the decision, with De Telegraaf writing he “disagrees with the team management’s decision to intervene so soon.”
Still, after zero points and multiple Q1 exits, Red Bull has decided it must send Lawson back to Racing Bulls immediately, hoping the New Zealander can rebuild his confidence at the Faenza-based outfit and that Tsunoda can help the senior squad climb the Constructors’ standings.
In conversation with De Telegraaf, Marko revealed that reports indicating Verstappen was unhappy appear to be true.
“We know Max is not happy,” the veteran Austrian said. “But we need two cars at the front.”
Marko argued that not only the Constructors’ title bid will benefit from a stronger line-up, but also Verstappen’s claim on a fifth consecutive Drivers’ crown.
“[It’s] not only for the constructors’ championship, but also to help Max to his fifth world title,” he said.
“Then you can achieve more strategically in races.”
Red Bull originally opted for Lawson’s potential over Tsunoda’s greater experience to fill the second seat following Sergio Perez’s exit.
Marko has already admitted that this was a “mistake” and now feels that Red Bull will benefit from the experience Tsunoda brings.
“We can use Yuki’s experience and form now,” he said.
“That counts. At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team. And that also means to the advantage of Max.”
Red Bull ‘seeing a completely different Tsunoda’
Tsunoda has repeatedly had to watch drivers jump ahead of him in the Red Bull queue in his bid to jump up to the senior squad.
His detractors cited his temperament and technical feedback as flaws, but the Japanese driver has put these factors well and truly to bed.
His maturity has shone in the first two rounds of the campaign as Tsunoda is a consistent top-10 finisher in qualifying, with strategy setbacks barring him from hauling in significant points.
Marko reflected on this and a change in Tsunoda’s management as an impressive characteristic.
“It’s funny to see that we’re experiencing a completely different Yuki this year,” he said.
“He hasn’t made any mistakes in the first few weeks, he’s fast, he’s under new management, and he’s full of confidence.
“We think that with his experience, he can help to make the car better.
“Yuki has had his ups and downs, but he’s matured.
“He’s worked hard in the winter and he’s become physically stronger.”
READ MORE – Red Bull explains cutthroat decision to swap Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson
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