Tsunoda: Marko radio silence since Red Bull switch 'very unusual'
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Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that he has yet to hear from Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko following his promotion to the energy drink company's senior F1 team, a radio silence on the part of the Austrian that he finds "very unusual".
The move came shortly after the Chinese Grand Prix, where Red Bull made the bold decision to swap Tsunoda with Liam Lawson following two challenging weekends for the New Zealander in the Red Bull RB21.
Lawson, in turn, has returned to sister outfit Racing Bulls, while Tsunoda prepares to take on his home race in the senior team's car.
Tsunoda says he was informed by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, shortly after leaving Shanghai, that a change might be coming.
However, Marko, his longtime mentor, has yet to reach out, a lack of communication that the Japanese drivers finds "very unusual".
Waiting for the Call
"The first call I got was from Christian right after China, that I should maybe be prepared for when things are going to change a little bit," Tsunoda revealed. "I guess it was Tuesday or something like that.
"Surprisingly, [Marko] didn't call me yet, very unusual. So, I'm not sure if he was busy with other things. I can't wait to see him, how he's going to react to me [moving]. But yeah, it's very unusual. From F3 to F1, he was always calling me, but this time he didn't call me.
"So, I'm sure there's not anything from his side. We have still a good relationship, so let's see how he reacts to that."
Marko has been instrumental in Tsunoda's rise through the Red Bull ranks, closely monitoring his progress from junior categories to Formula 1.
The lack of direct communication from him in such a major moment in Tsunoda's career is an unexpected deviation from the norm.
While Marko has remained silent, Tsunoda has received words of encouragement from some familiar faces.
Both Sergio Perez and Pierre Gasly, former Red Bull drivers who have experienced the intensity of being part of the team, have sent supportive messages.
A Quick Adjustment in the Simulator
When the official call came, Tsunoda was already in the UK, preparing for the Japanese Grand Prix with Racing Bulls. The switch meant he had to pivot immediately, shifting his focus from Racing Bulls' car to Red Bull's much more competitive RB21.
©RedBull
"I was in the UK anyway for our preparation for Suzuka with Racing Bulls, and the plan changed," Tsunoda explained.
"Immediately I had a simulator session with the Red Bull. I think at that point I was spending two, three days in the UK."
This rapid shift from one team to another, particularly so close to a race weekend, is rare in Formula 1. However, Tsunoda seems unfazed by the challenge.
Pressure? Not Yet
Despite the massive step up in machinery and the added expectations of performing at his home race, Tsunoda insists he is still feeling relaxed.
"No, I guess the pressure will always come once you hit the track but for now, I'm really relaxing somehow," he said.
"It feels actually similar to when I was in Racing Bulls. Once I entered the hospitality, I was only thinking about breakfast! So, I don't necessarily feel pressure so far.
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"Those things will naturally come in the race at my home grand prix. In qualifying, I'm sure it's going to be hectic. But now there's not much point to feeling pressure."
As Tsunoda prepares to make his debut in Red Bull colors at Suzuka, all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure and whether Marko finally breaks his silence.
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