Overview

• Yuki Tsunoda reported a promising step on race pace in Azerbaijan FP2, saying his long-run performance “makes sense” after weeks spent chasing unexplained degradation issues.
• The Japanese driver remains under pressure with nine points since his April promotion, emphasizing that his focus is on converting practice gains into Sunday results rather than engaging with speculation.
• Helmut Marko reiterated that the only certainties for 2026 are contracts for Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, with team placements to be decided late in October and Tsunoda urged to score points consistently.
• Hadjar dismissed reports of a completed promotion by stating he has not signed anything, though his rookie season includes seven points finishes and a Dutch Grand Prix podium for Racing Bulls.
• Red Bull’s two-team shuffle remains open, with Arvid Lindblad being considered for Racing Bulls and Liam Lawson also in the frame, as the organization resists making mid-season swaps and gathers more data.