Pierre Gasly believes it’s time for Yuki Tsunoda to try his hand at Red Bull. After four years with the junior team, the Japanese driver should be ready for a promotion. While Sergio Pérez is convinced he will be able to fulfill his new contract with Red Bull, both Visa RB drivers are eyeing his seat. According to Gasly, who once drove in Red Bull colors himself, Tsunoda has the best credentials.
“When you look at his performance, he has certainly earned a chance,” Pierre Gasly told the media in Qatar. “He has improved tremendously – he is so different from four years ago. This year, and also in 2023, he was particularly strong. In both seasons, he beat his teammate.” Pierre Gasly shared a garage with Yuki Tsunoda at the then AlphaTauri for two years. When Gasly chose to collaborate with Alpine in 2023, the Japanese driver was joined by Nyck de Vries and later Daniel Ricciardo. Both were beaten by Tsunoda.
“From that perspective, I think the Red Bull program would do well to give Tsunoda a chance,” Gasly continued. “Although we all know that decision is not solely based on performance. Red Bull is a top team. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko know exactly which direction they want to go. That being said, I would personally find it very cool to see what he can do there. In terms of performance, he has certainly earned it.
‘Lack of Continuity and Stability’
Helmut Marko, an advisor at Red Bull, is less enthusiastic. In a conversation with Kleine Zeitung, he expressed his concerns about a ‘lack of continuity and stability’ with Yuki Tsunoda. “He has now driven two very good races in Brazil and Las Vegas,” said the Austrian. “Unfortunately, he made two stupid mistakes before that. He certainly has the speed – when it goes well, it goes really well.”
Red Bull has long chosen young drivers from its own training program – including Vettel, Ricciardo, and Verstappen – but Tsunoda has not yet been given a real chance. Pierre Gasly was also once given a shot at Red Bull. After the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, the Frenchman was promoted to the main team in 2019. However, after twelve races, he was sacrificed in favor of Alexander Albon.
