Marko: Honda support for Tsunoda ‘not decisive’ in driver swap

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has made it clear that Honda’s long-standing support for Yuki Tsunoda was not the core reason behind the Japanese driver’s promotion to the senior team and Liam Lawson’s subsequent demotion to Racing Bulls.

The decision, made in the wake of Lawson’s lackluster performances at the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, reflects a strategic shift based on performance and potential rather than external pressures from the Japanese manufacturer.

Despite the timing of the swap aligning with the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, Marko insists that Honda’s influence was incidental, not pivotal.

Furthermore, Tsunoda’s position at Red Bull Racing is secure, with Marko emphatically stating that the 24-year-old will remain with the senior outfit until the season’s end.

Tsunoda Will Finish the Season

The catalyst for Red Bull’s dramatic driver shuffle came after the Chinese Grand Prix, where Lawson’s struggles with the RB21 were laid bare.

Qualifying last in both Shanghai sessions, the New Zealander’s second outing with the Milton Keynes squad mirrored his disappointing debut in Melbourne, prompting Red Bull to act decisively.

In an interview with German website Formel1.de, Marko addressed the instability surrounding the team’s second seat but quashed speculation about further changes.

When asked if Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who has impressed in his early F1 outings, might replace Tsunoda should he falter, Marko was unequivocal.

“Yuki Tsunoda will finish the season.” This firm commitment underscores Red Bull’s confidence in Tsunoda as they navigate the remainder of the 2025 campaign.

Why Red Bull Changed Course on Tsunoda

Marko elaborated on why Red Bull reversed its initial decision to favor Lawson over Tsunoda just three months prior, pointing to the Japanese driver’s recent evolution.

“Yuki Tsunoda is a fast driver, we know that, but he’s had his ups and downs,” Marko said. “That’s why we thought Lawson was the better and stronger candidate.

“But Yuki has undergone a transformation. He changed his management, and in this situation, this was simply the best option.”

Tsunoda’s standout performances in Melbourne and Shanghai—despite strategy errors hampering his results—demonstrated a newfound maturity and consistency.

“Yuki has had ups and downs – I remember the two crashes in Mexico, for example. He simply wasn’t as stable as he is now,” Marko noted, highlighting the contrast with Lawson’s downward trajectory.

Lawson’s struggles, meanwhile, necessitated swift action to preserve his long-term prospects.

“Because even in Suzuka, although Lawson knows the track, on the other hand Hadjar didn’t know China either and was immediately on pace, almost as fast as Yuki – at least in qualifying.

“So it was a downward spiral that we needed to break in order to give Lawson a future in his career,” Marko explained.

To assess Tsunoda’s readiness, Red Bull conducted “two or three simulator sessions” post-Shanghai, where he excelled.

“We had to act quickly,” Marko commented. “And everything was positive. Also the technical feedback, which he had often been accused of lacking, that he didn’t understand the technical side or couldn’t set up a car – that also turned out to be incorrect.”

Experience Surpasses Honda’s Backing

Tsunoda’s promotion wasn’t just about speed; his experience proved decisive.

“Yuki is in his fifth year. And experience in such difficult conditions is an enormous factor. Yuki has repeatedly emphasised that he’s actually the right man for Red Bull Racing,” Marko stated.

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This seasoned perspective stood in stark contrast to Lawson’s inexperience, which faltered under pressure. Marko’s assessment of Lawson’s tenure was blunt.

“No, he doesn’t have to worry. But don’t forget, Liam Lawson qualified 20th twice. And that’s difficult.”

Tsunoda, however, faces no immediate performance benchmarks, enjoying a rare stability in Red Bull’s notoriously volatile second seat.

Crucially, Honda’s role as Tsunoda’s backer was not the linchpin of this decision.

“The fact that Japan happens to be the next race is just a coincidence,” Marko insisted. “And of course, Honda is happy with the decision – that’s clear. But that wasn’t the decisive factor.

“Honda’s involvement ends at the end of this year anyway.”

He further clarified that financial incentives from Honda were irrelevant.

“That wasn’t decisive and wasn’t the motivation behind the decision either.”

With Honda set to partner with Aston Martin in 2026, Red Bull’s choice was rooted in sporting merit, not corporate allegiance. Tsunoda is now firmly installed at Red Bull Racing, and the focus will shift to how he will perform in the RB21.

With Honda’s influence downplayed and Red Bull backing him for the long haul, the Japanese driver now has the opportunity to prove that the decision was the right one.

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