Red Bull Racing’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has thrown the spotlight on a burgeoning F1 talent, hinting at dramatic changes in the team’s lineup as Yuki Tsunoda’s future hangs by a thread. The 25-year-old Japanese driver has faced an uphill battle since his leap to the formidable RB21, having only managed a meager nine points in five months. With his performance under scrutiny, Tsunoda’s position within not only Red Bull but also the entire Formula 1 landscape is now on shaky ground.
In a recent interview with the Austrian press, Marko revealed that he is keenly monitoring the progress of Isack Hadjar, a promising 20-year-old from the Red Bull junior team. “We are right on schedule. He is fully integrated and will get several more opportunities with us this year,” Marko confidently stated. This assertion points to a clear intent to elevate Hadjar to the main team by 2026, making it evident that the young Frenchman is seen as a potential star in the making.
While reigning champion Max Verstappen is firmly secured for next season, Tsunoda’s chances of retaining his seat are dwindling faster than ever. Red Bull’s new team principal, Laurent Mekies, left fans and analysts alike in suspense after a vague response regarding Tsunoda’s future during the Italian Grand Prix. The message was clear: Tsunoda must now engage in a fierce battle to prove his worth to remain in F1.
The situation has become even more precarious for Tsunoda as his junior counterparts continue to outshine him. Hadjar’s impressive performance, capped by a maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, has fueled Marko’s enthusiasm for promoting him to the senior team. Additionally, the spotlight is also on F2 driver Arvid Lindblad, who is reportedly being considered as a potential successor to Hadjar should he make the jump.
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, it is clear that a seismic shift might soon occur at Red Bull Racing. With every passing race weekend, Tsunoda’s grip on his seat loosens while Hadjar’s star continues to rise. Will Red Bull take the plunge and usher in a new era of racing talent, or will Tsunoda rally against the odds to secure his place? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the pressure is mounting, and the stakes have never been higher.
