Tsunoda's frustration grows: 'Other factors are at play'

Earlier in the season, Tsunoda signed a deal that will see him race for VCARB, Red Bull's sister team, in 2025. This came after Sergio Perez secured his future at Red Bull Racing, but that future has been thrown into doubt after a performance dip from the Mexican. It seems that a promotion might be possible again for either Tsunoda or his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. Liam Lawson is also waiting in the wings.

Has Yuki Tsunoda had talks with Marko about Red Bull?

In a conversation with GPblog and others, Tsunoda was asked if he has had any conversations with Marko and Horner. "No," was Tsunoda's sharp reply ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

"I don't know about other drivers. It's just that they decide as soon as possible. Obviously, I would like to be in that seat 100%. I'm really feeling like there are rumours flying around like 'oh, we need to have a good race', extra pressure. I never even get any conversation or idea about that. We'll see how it goes," Tsunoda said.

Tsunoda then revealed a conversation he had with the Red Bull adviser in Austria. "He told me that the next three races will be important for the future. Austria wasn't good. I was thinking he's talking about my F1 season rather than Red Bull so I was not asking deeply about that. Typical Helmut. After that, Silverstone and Hungary were quite clear. Other than that, I haven't had a conversation," Tsunoda continued before suggesting other factors are at play.

"There are a couple of races I could have done better; for example, in Montreal, I was in points, and I lost points. But other than that just compare the Q3 appearances, qualifying results and the race results. It will be clear. It seems like there are also other factors because they consider other drivers as well. There are some rumours, but if you just see the performance, it's really clear that I'm the one performing well, even at the top of the field, if you compare all of the drivers."