In a shocking revelation, Helmut Marko, the renowned motorsport advisor, has declared that Yuki Tsunoda is the only driver currently on par with the exceptional talent of Max Verstappen. However, Marko candidly admits that the young Japanese driver struggles to maintain his performance levels when faced with intense pressure on the track.
Tsunoda, who joined Red Bull in April 2025, replacing Liam Lawson, has displayed impressive speed during his initial races but has faced challenges similar to those of his predecessors. Despite making three Q3 appearances, Tsunoda is yet to have a flawless weekend as he grapples with the demanding RB21 package, known for its unpredictability in terms of oversteer and understeer.
Marko praised Tsunoda’s progress, acknowledging his potential to match Verstappen’s pace in ideal conditions. The 82-year-old racing expert commended Tsunoda for being the first teammate of Verstappen to reach his level of skill, although he highlighted the need for improvement, especially under pressure.
Nevertheless, Marko issued a stern warning to Tsunoda, emphasizing Red Bull’s ruthless standards for underperforming drivers. The focus shifted to Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda’s former teammate at Racing Bulls, who has shown promising speed and consistency in his debut season, outscoring Lawson significantly.
Marko’s remarks have ignited speculation within the Formula 1 community, with fans and experts closely monitoring Tsunoda and Hadjar’s performances as they navigate the high-pressure world of elite motorsport.
As the rivalry between Verstappen and Tsunoda intensifies, all eyes are on the young drivers to see if they can withstand the heat and prove their mettle on the race track. The stakes are high, and only time will tell if Tsunoda can rise to the occasion and solidify his position alongside the reigning champion, Max Verstappen.
