Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has voiced disappointment over Yuki Tsunoda’s showing at the Belgian Grand Prix, admitting the Japanese driver’s race fell short of expectations despite a strong qualifying.
Tsunoda started seventh on the grid at Spa-Francorchamps after a solid session in his upgraded RB21, but a pit-stop mix-up derailed his strategy. A miscommunication with the team delayed his switch from intermediates, leaving him stuck in traffic and unable to recover. He crossed the line in 13th, missing out on points.
Speaking post-race, Marko told reporters: “It wasn’t what we had promised. There was a miscommunication, and then his pace just wasn’t there.” He highlighted Tsunoda’s ongoing struggles this season, with just 10 points from 13 races since joining Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen.
Despite the setback, Marko noted positives from qualifying and pledged further upgrades to boost Tsunoda’s form. The team now heads to Zandvoort, where Tsunoda aims to bounce back.
Sources (click to expand):
https://racingnews365.com/helmut-marko-deals-yuki-tsunoda-belgian-gp-promise,
https://racingnews365.com/helmut-marko-confirms-intense-yuki-tsunoda-discussions,
https://motorcyclesports.net/formula-1/helmut-marko-vows-upgrades-for-yuki-tsunoda-after-belgian-grand-prix-drama/,
https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/yuki-tsunoda-frustrated-after-miscommunication-cost-him-points-in-belgian-gp/10745906/,
https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut-marko-yuki-tsunoda-update-latest-qualifying-disappointment-spa,
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/yuki-tsunoda-frustrated-after-miscommunication-cost-him-points-in-belgian-gp/10745905/,
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/45829706/belgian-gp-yuki-tsunoda-pleased-p7-upgraded-red-bull,
https://www.autohebdo.nl/nieuws/f1/Yuki-Tsunoda-13e-in-de-Belgische-GP–hij-had-niet-de-snelheid-om-in-te-halen.html,
https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-qualifying-mistakes-cost-third-belgian-grand-prix-helmut-marko/10745507,
https://www.planetf1.com/news/yuki-tsunoda-upgrade-call-laurent-mekies-qualifying-2025-belgian-grand-prix
