Tsunoda sees 'direct' Marko supporting him: 'Trusts my talent'

11:28, 24 Jul

Updated: 11:29, 24 Jul

byKada Sarkozi

Yuki Tsunoda did not have an ideal start to his time at Red Bull Racing after he got promoted just two rounds into the season. Talking about his difficult stint, the Japanese driver explained he appreciated the support from top advisor Helmut Marko.

Previously, GPblog could report that Yuki Tsunoda is set to leave Red Bull Racing after the current season. Since he joined the team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the driver had a difficult stint, scoring points on just two Sundays. Still, he can finish the current season with the team.

Getting a full-time seat next season seems to be extremely challenging for Tsunoda, with Honda being interested in taking his services to Aston Martin as a test and reserve driver.

Tsunoda sees supportive Marko

Still, talking in Silverstone, the driver explained he appreciates the support of Helmut Marko over the challenging period, calling the Austrian "very supportive".

"Yes, rather than him saying probably going switch in two races or whatever, for sure," he began.

"He was not obviously happy with my race in Austria, but at the same time, he’s still willing to continuously help or support me. He still trusts my talent and the speed, so I just have to prove on track that I can do it."

He concluded: "Helmut is just a direct guy. Some races if you do bad, he just tells me what was wrong and what was right. It’s a kind of pressure that he gives me. Sometimes brings me into the level that I never think about or extracts from me some performance. It’s just the way that he works since when I was a junior, and yeah, I appreciate the amount of support I’m getting so far."