Helmut Marko has credited a “totally different strategy” for Yuki Tsunoda after his promising Azerbaijan Grand Prix efficiency.
Tsunoda loved his strongest weekend as a Pink Bull F1 driver in Baku.
He certified and completed sixth, his greatest end since changing Liam Lawson on the Japanese Grand Prix.
A greater outcome for Tsunoda was potential, however he wasn’t capable of keep forward of Lawson when popping out of the pit lane.
Tsunoda’s enchancment coincides with Pink Bull’s return to kind within the fingers of Max Verstappen.
Helmut Marko with Yuki Tsunoda
© XPB Photographs
Verstappen has clinched back-to-back F1 victories, making him an outsider for this 12 months’s F1 world drivers’ championship.
Chatting with Sky Germany, Marko detailed why and the way Tsunoda has made progress, notably within the race.
“We sat down after the race in Monza – Tsunoda was generally a second slower than Max within the race – and selected a special strategy,” Marko mentioned.
“Merely put, it’s a must to coach him extra due to the much less expertise in comparison with Max. We’ve arrange the automobile extra based on his needs.”
Tsunoda combating for Pink Bull future
Tsunoda’s improved show in Azerbaijan is well timed as he fights for his Pink Bull F1 future.
Tsunoda is predicted to get replaced by Isack Hadjar at Pink Bull from 2026.
Hadjar has arguably been F1’s rookie of the 12 months in 2025.
Hadjar has been extremely constant at Racing Bulls, out-performing Lawson because the Kiwi’s return to the workforce.
The Frenchman scored his maiden F1 podium at Zandvoort.
With Cadillac confirming their two drivers for subsequent 12 months, Tsunoda’s choices are very restricted.
If Racing Bulls decide to maintain Lawson after which promote Arvid Lindblad, then Tsunoda is not going to be on the grid in 2026.
A return to RB doesn’t appear possible for Tsunoda.
He’s already spent 4 seasons on the workforce — and began this 12 months with them, which might have been his fifth.
A reserve driver position with Aston Martin or Haas might be potential, given their respective Japanese ties.
Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore has already dominated out signing both Tsunoda or Lawson, opting to stay with their junior drivers – Franco Colapinto or Paul Aron – for subsequent 12 months.
