F1 News:Verstappen team-mate debate triggered as Red Bull SWITCH……read more
Verstappen team-mate debate triggered as Red Bull SWITCH……read more
The debate surrounding Max Verstappen’s future team-mate at Red Bull has intensified following recent remarks by his father, Jos Verstappen, and the current performance issues of Sergio Perez. While Max has consistently expressed his preference for Perez to remain his teammate, Jos has voiced a different opinion, suggesting that a change may be beneficial for the team in 2025.
Max Verstappen, the three-time World Champion, has been dominant in Formula 1 in recent seasons, with Red Bull currently enjoying a strong position in the championship standings. However, Perez, who has been Max’s teammate since 2021, has struggled to match the Dutch driver’s pace in 2024. This season, Perez’s performance has been underwhelming, leading to a noticeable decline in his results. The Mexican driver has failed to secure any points in the last two races in Mexico and Brazil, which has raised serious questions about his future at the team.
Red Bull, despite Verstappen’s dominance, has been facing stiff competition from other teams, including McLaren and Ferrari, who have been closing the gap in the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull’s position at the top of the standings, which seemed unshakable earlier in the season, is now under threat, and some of that is being attributed to Perez’s lackluster performances.
Perez is contracted with Red Bull through to 2026, but with his recent struggles, the team is reportedly considering changes. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was recently seen leaving the Williams motorhome during the Brazilian Grand Prix, sparking speculation that the team is exploring potential options for the 2025 season. Among the names being discussed is Franco Colapinto, the promising young Argentine driver, who has impressed in his debut season in Formula 1. However, Colapinto is set to lose his seat at Williams next year to Carlos Sainz, meaning he will be available for a move.
In addition to Colapinto, Liam Lawson, who is currently a reserve driver for Red Bull, has also emerged as a potential candidate for a promotion. Lawson has been filling in for Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian’s injury, and his performances have been solid. Jos Verstappen, in particular, has praised Lawson, saying that he believes the Kiwi driver has shown enough talent to step up to the main team. In an interview, Jos stated, “I think Lawson is doing very well. It seems logical to me that he is ready to step up. Let him finish this season, build confidence, and then the team has to decide what they do for next year.”
Jos Verstappen went on to suggest that a change in Perez’s seat could be beneficial for Red Bull, noting that it is important to have a teammate who can challenge Max and push him to be even better. “I certainly don’t oppose [Lawson replacing Perez]. It’s better if there is someone who is competitive and pushes Max forward a bit. That always helps, but we’ll see,” Jos added. This statement seems to directly contradict Max’s stance on the matter.
Max Verstappen has consistently supported Perez, stating in September that he wanted the Mexican to remain as his teammate in 2025. The reigning champion made it clear that he did not believe a change was necessary, and that the issue of replacing Perez was “not on the table.” Max’s comments were seen as a reaffirmation of his trust in Perez, despite the latter’s recent struggles.
The contrast between Jos and Max’s positions on Perez’s future highlights the ongoing tension within the team over the choice of Verstappen’s teammate. While Max values the stability that Perez brings to the team, Jos seems to be more focused on finding a teammate who can provide greater competition and, in turn, elevate Max’s performance.
As the 2024 season nears its end, all eyes will be on Red Bull to see how they handle the situation with Perez. The team’s performance in the final races, as well as their decisions regarding potential driver changes, will shape the lineup for 2025. Whether Red Bull opts to make a change or sticks with Perez remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Verstappen team-mate debate is far from over.
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