Jul.27 (GMM) The positive shift at Red Bull post-Christian Horner is being felt not just at the front – but further down the grid too, where Yuki Tsunoda is finally closing the gap after a surprise upgrade at Spa.
“We’re very happy to start with,” Dr Helmut Marko told ORF. “It’s the first time we’ve had four cars in the top ten,” he said, referencing strong showings from Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar – and Tsunoda, who qualified seventh to Verstappen’s P4.
Marko, now wielding more influence within Red Bull Racing, sees progress in the long-struggling Japanese driver. “I think he’s getting better and better. Sometimes he does really well, but he can’t do it on a regular basis yet,” Marko told Motorsport-Magazin.com.
“Yuki hasn’t had any updates yet, unlike Max. But if nothing happens to him in the sprint race, he’ll get new parts too.”
Indeed, that happened just ahead of qualifying when the team surprised Tsunoda by fitting a newly arrived floor.
“We fitted his car with the new underbody before qualifying,” Marko confirmed. “That’s always a risk, and it was getting tight as time went on, but we pushed hard and everyone’s efforts paid off.”
Mekies echoed the effort: “We updated Yuki’s car just before qualifying because we always try our best when it comes to details. We decided to take a risk. The result is the effort of all the team members.”
Tsunoda noticed the difference immediately. “A little more grip, literally,” he smiled.
“It’s now clear how much of a gap we’ve had over the last few races. The old one was more sensitive. Once you slide, it just doesn’t recover. With this one, you can be more aggressive.”
“There are still some parts to go, but the floor was big enough anyway. It feels much better,” he said. “I can’t say which parts, but there’s still a difference.”
Speaking to Viaplay, Tsunoda joked: “It was a nice surprise for me! A late birthday present perhaps, I don’t know. I heard about it just before qualifying.”
Despite his performance, Tsunoda accepts Verstappen will always be the upgrade priority. “It’s not always easy, not for the team either, and that’s understandable. They’re fighting for the championship. Max is the one in front, the best driver on the grid.”
As for his uncertain future beyond 2025 – when Honda departs to Aston Martin – Tsunoda remains focused on continuing to improve. “I’m trying to do that, so I can hopefully get close to him in the future.”
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
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES