For almost two decades, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have been Red Bull’s decision-makers. Heading into 2025, a disagreement between these men over Yuki Tsunoda could be pivotal in Red Bull’s 2025 line-up.
Yuki Tsunoda has vote of confidence from Marko – but Horner is more sceptical
There have been various twists and turns in this year’s driver market. One of the main sources of uncertainty has come from Red Bull.
Even with Sergio Perez signing a contract extension in June, his future at Milton Keynes has been in constant doubt.
The 34-year-old’s performances this year have not been up to scratch – especially since the summer break.
After scoring just 21 points in the second half of the year, Red Bull are working to replace Perez for 2025. The question is who will replace him.
Barring any surprises, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are the leading candidates.
However, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have some disagreements – specifically over Yuki Tsunoda’s potential.
With Red Bull’s 2025 line-up on the verge of being announced, this issue could be central.
READ MORE: Honda back Tsunoda in Red Bull driver talks
Helmut Marko a long-time supporter of Tsunoda
Over the last few seasons, there can be no denying that Tsunoda has made consistent progress.
Even before dispatching of Nyck de Vries in 2023, the Japanese driver was already matching Pierre Gasly in the second half of 2022.
This fact, often overlooked, means that Tsunoda’s performances in the last two years are not necessarily a surprise.
Quite often, Helmut Marko has been the first to praise the 24-year-old’s progress.
Having played a key role in signing Tsunoda to the Red Bull academy, Marko was vocal about Tsunoda’s speed at the beginning of 2024.
At a time when Lawson was on the sidelines, the 81-year-old spoke highly of Tsunoda’s results.
However, Marko is not the only person who decides Red Bull’s driver pairings.
Christian Horner more confident in Liam Lawson
It would be a stretch to suggest that Christian Horner is entirely dismissive of Yuki Tsunoda.
The Red Bull team principal has described Tsunoda as a quick driver on numerous occasions.
However, Horner still has reservations about putting the Japanese driver in the main team.
Most of his statements throughout 2024, either explicitly or implicitly, show a reluctance to promote Tsunoda.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson is Horner’s preferred option to drive alongside Max Verstappen.
Lawson’s relatively late re-introduction to VCARB, though somewhat abrupt, was always an audition for the Red Bull seat.
READ: Why Tsunoda is at a dead end with Red Bull
How Lawson and Tsunoda were assessed
Because of his relative inexperience, the Kiwi was not expected to be faster than Tsunoda
Red Bull’s target for the 22-year-old was to stay within touching distance of his teammate.
Generally speaking, Liam Lawson achieved this goal.
Christian Horner’s comments after the Qatar GP seemed to showcase his mindset when evaluating the VCARB duo.
The Red Bull team principal made no mention of Lawson’s clash with Bottas – the kind of mistake Tsunoda was criticised for in the mast.
Instead, Horner described Lawson and Tsunoda as being evenly matched on race day.
Whilst this is not a direct criticism towards Yuki Tsunoda, if Christian Horner perceives Lawson as being at a similar level – it seems likely the Kiwi is his preferred choice for 2025.
The consensus, as it has been for several months, is that Liam Lawson is the favourite to join Red Bull.
Where the decision solely in Helmut Marko’s hands, then Tsunoda may very well have the edge.
In fact, it would not be beyond Helmut Marko to promote Yuki Tsunoda mid-season, especially during the height of Perez’s struggles.
However, both Horner and Marko must come to an agreement. When taking this into consideration, Lawson seems to be the option both parties can agree on.
