May 18 (GMM) Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko has reassured Yuki Tsunoda the Japanese driver’s seat is safe despite destroying his car in Imola qualifying.
The diminutive 25-year-old, drafted into the lineup following Liam Lawson’s early 2025 struggle, admitted his “really stupid” mistake that resulted in a rollover crash against the barriers.
“Five races now in the Red Bull,” he said. “It was just really stupid of me. I’m trying to be the hero in Q1. The way in which I did it is just unacceptable.”
Tsunoda was taken straight to the medical centre.
“Thank God he’s fine,” Marko told Sky Deustchland. “He needs to be examined again, then he’ll be cleared to race or not. Mainly because of the rollover, he needs another fitness or health check,” the Austrian added.
Marko, 82, admits Tsunoda’s “mistake” is a “huge setback for us”.
“We’ve got three races in a row now, and Monte Carlo isn’t exactly forgiving if you slip up there. The spare parts situation has become really critical.”
Former F1 driver Timo Glock thinks the crash is also a huge personal setback for Tsunoda – the third Red Bull driver in less than a single year to apparently crumble under the pressure of serving as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
“He joins the ranks of other teammates who, alongside Verstappen, have simply been mercilessly buried,” he said. “It’s just like it was with Lawson or Sergio Perez.
“Once that whirlwind starts and you make mistakes and crash, the pressure starts to build. And then you see Verstappen repeatedly doing the impossible, putting the car in front, winning races, and you’re stuck somewhere behind.
“That has been absolute mental devastation for every teammate so far,” Glock added.
Even before Tsunoda’s huge crash, Marko has been raving about the latest Red Bull junior to enter Formula 1 at the second team Racing Bulls – Isack Hadjar.
Saturday at Imola, Glock thinks, was the “worst-case scenario” for Tsunoda.
“Now we see the next one behind him, putting the pressure on, which is Isack Hadjar,” said the German. “That’s just the merciless nature of Formula 1.”
Marko, however, does not seem ready to add to the pressure already piling up on Tsunoda’s shoulders.
“We have to give him security and support now,” said the 82-year-old. “And that’s what we’ll do.”
Tsunoda agrees that he still feels fully supported by Red Bull.
“The team is doing enough to keep the pressure off me,” he said.
However, after Tsunoda showed Colapinto the middle finger following an on-track incident earlier at Imola, it was Colapinto’s Argentine fans who turned up the heat on social media – often with racial undertones.
“I heard about it,” the Japanese driver admitted, “but they are not only after me. They’re also after Jack Doohan.
“I know that fans support the drivers from their own country, but there should still be room to say something.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas - one of the world's finest racing circuits. This year's event features one of six Sprint races on the F1 schedule. Grand Prix Tours offers a fully appointed, personally tailored race experience for passionate enthusiasts at what has become a great American tradition and another anticipated sold-out event.
SHOW PACKAGES
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES