Red Bull Linked with Two Potential Driver Signings for 2025: Perez

Red Bull Linked with Two Potential Driver Signings for 2025: Perez Replacement……read more

Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season is currently under speculation, with reports suggesting two potential new signings could be on the cards. Sergio Perez, despite having signed a contract extension earlier this year, is facing increasing pressure to retain his seat due to a significant dip in form. According to former Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill, the team may look to a promising F1 rookie to replace the Mexican driver, while another driver could potentially take over at Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri (currently branded as VCARB for 2025).

Perez’s Decline and Growing Pressure

Sergio Perez’s performance has been a subject of scrutiny throughout the 2024 season. After a strong start to the year, Perez’s form has seen a dramatic decline. The Mexican driver last finished on the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix in April, and since then, he has struggled to find consistent form, amassing just 48 points from his last 15 races. This fall-off in performance has affected Red Bull as well, as the team, which had been dominating in the first part of the season, has now seen its lead narrowing due to the improved performances of rivals McLaren and Ferrari.

Despite this, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has repeatedly expressed his support for Perez. However, the growing frustration within the team over Perez’s results has led to increasing speculation about his future. The recent drop in Red Bull’s form has made it clear that the team might need a stronger performer alongside Max Verstappen in the 2025 season, adding fuel to rumors that Perez’s position could be at risk.

Liam Lawson’s Promising Form

One of the key names being mentioned as a potential replacement for Perez is Liam Lawson, the New Zealand driver currently racing for AlphaTauri (VCARB). Lawson, who stepped in as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo following the Australian driver’s injury, has impressed many with his mature and consistent performances. Despite being a rookie, Lawson has demonstrated the kind of pace and racecraft that could make him an attractive candidate for a seat at Red Bull in 2025.

Damon Hill, who spoke on the F1 Nation podcast, believes that Lawson is “almost certainly” going to be the driver selected by Red Bull to take over Perez’s seat. Hill highlighted that Red Bull has already had experience with Lawson, which would make him a natural choice for a promotion to the main team. Given the performance of Verstappen and the requirements for a second driver who can consistently challenge for podiums, Hill sees Lawson as an ideal fit, despite the lack of extensive experience at the highest level.

Hill also pointed out that Red Bull might consider signing Lawson due to the strong relationship the team already has with the driver. Red Bull is known for nurturing young talent through its driver academy, and Lawson’s smooth adaptation to the team’s culture makes him a logical choice for a future in the senior team.

Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto in the Mix

While Lawson seems to be the front-runner for a Red Bull seat in 2025, there are other drivers who have been linked to both the main Red Bull team and its sister team, AlphaTauri. Yuki Tsunoda, a current driver for AlphaTauri, has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Perez. Tsunoda has shown flashes of strong performance over the years but has often struggled with consistency, leading to questions about his future with the team.

Another name that has emerged is Franco Colapinto, a promising rookie who has been impressing at Williams since stepping in for Logan Sargeant earlier this year. Colapinto has garnered attention for his impressive performances in what is often a challenging car, showcasing the kind of potential that Red Bull might want to harness. However, Damon Hill suggested that while Colapinto has shown promise, he is still relatively inexperienced and might not be ready for a seat at Red Bull just yet. Hill speculated that Colapinto could instead replace Lawson at AlphaTauri, which could offer the Argentine driver the opportunity to gain more experience before making a potential step up to the senior team in the future.

The Financial Factor

Another consideration in Red Bull’s decision-making process could be financial factors. Hill mentioned the possibility of “big money” influencing the team’s decision, which could play a role in which drivers they choose to sign. This could mean that drivers with strong sponsorship deals or backing from wealthy investors could be given priority for a seat, adding another layer of complexity to the driver market.

Conclusion

As the 2024 Formula 1 season nears its end, Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2025 remains uncertain, with Sergio Perez’s position under increasing scrutiny due to his recent lack of form. Liam Lawson appears to be the frontrunner for a promotion to the senior team, but other drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto could also play key roles in Red Bull’s driver lineup for the future. With multiple factors, including performance, experience, and financial backing, set to influence Red Bull’s decision, the driver market for 2025 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable one.