Yuki Tsunoda believes he has demonstrated enough potential to earn a promotion and secure a seat at Red Bull. The Visa RB driver is aware that Sergio Pérez’s position is under threat due to his string of mediocre results. However, reserve driver Liam Lawson is also being linked to Pérez’s seat. According to Tsunoda, it would be ‘strange’ if the decision-makers in Milton Keynes opt for Lawson instead.
The future of Sergio Pérez’s seat continues to be a hot topic in the paddock. Thanks in part to two DNFs, the Mexican has only managed to accumulate 15 championship points over the past six race weekends. In contrast, Max Verstappen has scored a whopping 119 points during the same period! This disparity is reason enough for the team management to ‘take a closer look at the situation’ during the summer break.
Pérez’s Future at Red Bull Hangs in the Balance
It is rumored that Pérez has the upcoming Hungarian GP and the Belgian GP to prove himself. If he disappoints again, there is a high chance that a reshuffling will take place within the Red Bull team this summer. Tsunoda believes he is most entitled to a promotion, although the team is also interested in reserve driver Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo.
Tsunoda’s Thoughts on the Potential Reshuffling
“It would be very strange if they chose Lawson,” Tsunoda said in the run-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix. “Liam is doing really well on the simulator, but I think I’ve done more than that. We’ll see how it goes. Red Bull knows best how to manage the drivers.” Yet, Tsunoda believes he is ready for a new challenge. “Compared to the past three years, I feel more ready than ever to compete with the top teams,” he explained.
Tsunoda’s Casual Talks with Red Bull Management
Tsunoda can confirm that he has already sat down with the Red Bull team management, although it did not go beyond casual conversations. “It was very casual, they don’t want to make hasty decisions,” said the 23-year-old Japanese. “For me, it’s just important that I focus on what I need to do now. Haas is getting closer, so I have completely different things to focus on. We’ll see what happens.”
