Tsunoda: No call from Marko on Red Bull promotion “very unusual”

Yuki Tsunoda has detailed the timeline of his Pink Bull promotion forward of the Method 1 Japanese Grand Prix, revealing he has but to talk to his mentor Helmut Marko.

Shortly after the Chinese language Grand Prix, Red Bull took the ruthless decision to swap Tsunoda with Liam Lawson after two tough weekends for the New Zealander aboard the Pink Bull RB21, with Tsunoda moving into the seat for Japan whereas Lawson returns to sister staff Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda mentioned he was knowledgeable shortly after the Shanghai weekend by staff principal Christian Horner that there is likely to be some imminent information on his future. However the Japanese driver says he hasn’t but heard from Pink Bull’s driver advisor Marko, which he discovered “very uncommon”.

“The primary name I bought was from Christian proper after China, that I ought to perhaps be ready for when issues are going to vary slightly bit,” Tsunoda mentioned. “I suppose it was Tuesday or one thing like that.

“Surprisingly, [Marko] did not name me but, very uncommon. So, I am undecided if he was busy with different issues. I can not wait to see him, how he will react to me [moving]. However yeah, it’s totally uncommon.

“From F3 to F1, he was at all times calling me, however this time he did not name me. So, I am positive there’s not something from his facet. We’ve got nonetheless a great relationship, so let’s have a look at how he reacts to that.”

By the point Tsunoda bought the decision he could be altering groups in Japan, he was within the staff’s simulator to arrange the Suzuka weekend for Racing Bulls, having to rapidly leap into the digital rendition of the Pink Bull as an alternative.

“I used to be within the UK anyway for our preparation for Suzuka with Racing Bulls, and the plan modified,” he mentioned. “Instantly I had an analogous session with the Pink Bull. I feel at that time I used to be spending two, three days within the UK.”

Tsunoda mentioned he obtained supportive messages from former Pink Bull drivers Sergio Perez and Pierre Gasly, and whereas the strain is on for him to carry out on his residence weekend in a automobile he hasn’t pushed but, he says he is not feeling the burden of expectation simply but.

“No, I suppose the strain will at all times come when you hit the observe however for now, I am actually enjoyable someway,” he defined. “It feels really much like after I was in Racing Bulls. As soon as I entered the hospitality, I used to be solely eager about breakfast! So, I do not essentially really feel strain up to now.

“These issues will naturally come within the race at my residence grand prix. In qualifying, I am positive it is going to be hectic. However now there’s not a lot level to feeling strain.”