Breaking: Christian Horner already has Max Verstappen’s successor with four…read more
Christian Horner already has Max Verstappen’s successor with four…read more
Max Verstappen has hinted that he may retire early from Formula 1 when his contract with Red Bull expires in 2028. If he follows through with this decision, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner will face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the four-time world champion on short notice. Fortunately for Horner, Red Bull’s driver academy is home to several promising young talents who could step up to fill Verstappen’s shoes.
Red Bull’s driver academy has a strong track record of nurturing top drivers, having already developed talents such as Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and, of course, Verstappen. This pipeline of potential stars remains integral to Red Bull’s long-term plans in F1, and several of its current proteges are making a name for themselves in the sport.
The most likely candidate to succeed Verstappen appears to be Liam Lawson, who is set to embark on his first full F1 season in 2024. Lawson’s rise has been impressive, and despite initially struggling in qualifying battles against his teammate, he has already managed to surpass Yuki Tsunoda in the team’s hierarchy. Lawson’s potential has been evident, and his performances have drawn attention, positioning him as one of the most promising drivers in the Red Bull fold.
Although Lawson is still in the early stages of his F1 career, he is already showing the same competitive drive and aggressive racing style that defined Verstappen’s journey to success. Lawson’s fearless approach to racing was on full display in 2024, as he wasn’t hesitant to get involved in on-track battles with established drivers like Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso. His willingness to take risks and fight for positions signals that he could be a formidable force in the coming years.
With Verstappen’s future uncertain beyond 2028, Lawson’s rapid progress could make him the natural choice to take over the reins at Red Bull. His development within the team’s system and his growing experience on the grid suggest that he could be ready to step into a leading role sooner rather than later. Red Bull’s driver academy continues to produce top-tier talent, and with Lawson leading the charge, Christian Horner may already have the perfect successor to Verstappen waiting in the wings.
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