F1 News
Marko ends rumours: 'Tsunoda stays with us' and the driver replies
- Tygo Bekkema
The biggest transfer news came from Red Bull's camp on Wednesday. The Austrian racing team announced Perez's contract extension; the Mexican has signed for two years. But Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing advisor, also has news about the seats at the sister team: Yuki Tsunoda is staying, and he foresees an exciting battle between Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson for the second spot.
"Yuki Tsunoda will stay with us," Marko clarified in conversation with Austria's Kleine Zeitung. The Japanese driver was regularly linked with a possible switch to another team, but Marko is now putting an end to those rumours, while at the same time, Tsunoda told GPblog among others that there are ongoing discussions with VCARB, but it is good that he also get attention from elsewhere.
Also talking to GPblog and other media, Tsunoda has responded to Marko's statements. "Red Bull team are always first option and I didn't sign anything yet. But it's like I said, it was a long discussion. I’m happy with the RB car. So, just have to make sure we all align. With this current performance, there's not much reason to go outside."
"I definitely feel more supported. Normally it's coming at the end of the season which added a lot of age (ed. made him age quicker) to be honest. It’s been like that the last few years. It's been different this season and it means I can commit more."
Marko reveals Lawson's contract details
On the other hand, the battle for the second seat at VCARB is far from decided. Reserve driver Lawson and current employee Ricciardo will decide who will take that spot next year. About Lawson, Marko says the following: "He is at every race, and we are in close contact. There is a clause in his contract that he can leave if we cannot offer him a seat in 2025."
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi.