Tsunoda's odds at Red Bull revealed by Marko? 'Take Max out of the car'

As it is known, Marko chooses which drivers will drive the cars fielded by Red Bull and Racing Bulls in the Formula One world championship. As of now Max Verstappen and star rookie Isack Hadjar have had their presence in 2026 confirmed.

While Verstappen will evidently retain his Red Bull seat next year, for Hadjar the situation is different, as Marko himself claimed it had not yet been defined which team the rookie would race for, putting Tsunoda's drive in question.

After the U.S Grand Prix, which Verstappen and Red Bull won, Marko responded to a question regarding the odds the Dutchman still held of taking the championship saying that: "If you like to have a risk, yes [you should bet on Verstappen]."

When asked about his own bets, the 81-year-old Austrian said, "I have several bets running also." On who? "On Yuki," Marko said.

The Japanese reached the chequered flag at the Circuit of the Americas in P7, adding another 6 points to his tally which now reaches 28 points this season, a performance Marko appreciated.

"Yeah. By far his best race and when he was in fresh air he did competitive lap times," he said.

It is understood that after Mexico Red Bull's decision regarding their rest of their driver line-up will be announced, which Marko reiterated saying: "This year, after Mexico we sit down and have a look."

Upon being confronted with the 56-seconds gap Verstappen held over Tsunoda at the end of the race, and if there was a way that said delta could be reduced Marko simply said: "Yes, take Max out of the car."

Since Laurent Mekies made his first appearance as team principal for Red Bull Racing, not only has Max Verstappen's form improved enough to reinsert himself into the title fight, but also Tsunoda has experienced some tangible, albeit if considerably less obvious benefits.

Tsunoda picking up his form could not come at a better time for Red Bull, since the Austrians are now immersed in a three-way battle with Ferrari and Mercedes for P2 in the Constructors' championship.

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