Yuki Tsunoda managed to finish in the points during the Australian GP. According to Dr. Helmut Marko, this is a positive development for the Japanese driver. However, Tsunoda will need to continue improving if he wants to secure a race seat at Red Bull.
At the end of last year, AlphaTauri, the current RB, showed signs of improvement. The first two races of the new F1 season were challenging for both Tsunoda and Ricciardo. Ricciardo’s position is under serious pressure, and Tsunoda must also elevate his performance level.
In Australia, Tsunoda qualified eighth and finished in the same position. However, he was later classified seventh due to a time penalty for Fernando Alonso. This performance may have silenced some of the recent criticism from Helmut Marko towards the RB driver duo. Yet, Marko continues to challenge Tsunoda, emphasizing the need for further improvement to secure a Red Bull race seat.
“He was competitive every lap and remained composed,” said Marko. “But as the saying goes, one swallow does not make spring. He must continue to progress for us to consider him.”
Tsunoda acknowledges that there is room for improvement, but is pleased with the VCARB01 F1 car compared to last year’s AT04, which he found to be more stable and efficient.
Reflecting on the season so far, Tsunoda said, “Every race week is different, and we adapt accordingly. It’s a positive sign that our car’s performance has been consistent, unlike last year when we experienced fluctuations. The past two races have been disappointing, but we are learning and improving.”
“Despite missed opportunities to score points, we had a clean race without any errors. This gives me confidence and builds trust within the team as we prepare for the upcoming races.”