Marko: Verstappen unhappy, but Tsunoda swap boosts title bid

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen is less than pleased with his team’s decision to swap Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda after just two Grands Prix.

However, the Austrian the move will ultimately benefit the four-time world champion as it will strengthen Red Bull’s push for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.

Lawson, who had stepped up from Racing Bulls to partner Verstappen following Sergio Perez’s departure, struggled in his brief stint, posting zero points with a Q1 exit and crash in Australia, followed by last-place qualifications in China.

Red Bull acted swiftly, demoting the young Kiwi back to Racing Bulls and promoting Tsunoda to the senior squad starting at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s Discontent

Red Bull’s decision didn’t sit well with Verstappen, a fact Marko openly acknowledged in a conversation with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

“We know Max is not happy,” Marko said, confirming reports from Dutch media that the reigning champion disagreed with the team’s rapid intervention.

“But we need two cars at the front,” he added, signaling that performance trumped personal feelings in Red Bull’s high-stakes environment.
Strategic Gains for Verstappen and Red Bull

Marko’s rationale for the swap extended beyond immediate results. He argued that Tsunoda’s inclusion would not only strengthen Red Bull’s Constructors’ title bid but also directly support Verstappen’s championship aspirations.

“[It’s] not only for the constructors’ championship, but also to help Max to his fifth world title,” he said. “Then you can achieve more strategically in races.

“We can use Yuki’s experience and form now. That counts. At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team. And that also means to the advantage of Max.”

Tsunoda’s Turnaround

Tsunoda’s promotion marks a significant shift for the Japanese driver, who has long been overlooked in Red Bull’s pecking order despite his tenure with Racing Bulls, the energy drink company’s second F1 team.

Critics once pointed to his temperament and technical feedback as weaknesses, but his performance in the opening rounds of 2025 – consistent top-10 qualifying finishes despite strategy setbacks – has silenced doubters.

“It’s funny to see that we’re experiencing a completely different Yuki this year,” commented Marko, who praised Tsunoda’s evolution.

“He hasn’t made any mistakes in the first few weeks, he’s fast, he’s under new management, and he’s full of confidence.”

Marko also emphasized Tsunoda’s growth as a key factor in the decision.

“We think that with his experience, he can help to make the car better,” he said. “Yuki has had his ups and downs, but he’s matured. He’s worked hard in the winter and he’s become physically stronger.”

• Read also: Verstappen’s silent jab at Red Bull’s Lawson demotion

This newfound maturity and consistency, coupled with a change in management, have positioned Tsunoda as the seasoned hand Red Bull now seeks to complement Verstappen’s dominance.

Red Bull’s early misstep with Lawson, which Marko candidly called a “mistake,” has paved the way for this calculated pivot.

As the team heads to Suzuka, the focus is clear: leverage Tsunoda’s experience to maximize points and keep Verstappen’s title hopes on track, even if it means weathering the champion’s displeasure.

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