FIA name Verstappen team-mate for 2025 in.....

FIA name Verstappen team-mate for 2025 in…..read more

The FIA has officially released the provisional 2025 Formula 1 entry list, confirming driver numbers and team line-ups for the upcoming season. While much attention has been focused on Red Bull Racing’s driver situation, with speculation mounting over Sergio Perez’s future, the list confirms that Perez remains Max Verstappen’s teammate at the team for 2025 — for now.

Max Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, is expected to remain at Red Bull for the 2025 season. Verstappen’s dominance throughout the 2024 season has been unparalleled, but the team’s quest for a second consecutive Constructors’ Championship was undermined by Perez’s inconsistent performances. Despite Verstappen’s success, Red Bull fell short of securing the Constructors’ title, finishing third overall, largely due to Perez’s inability to consistently match the pace of his teammate. Perez’s struggles were further compounded by a disappointing result at the Abu Dhabi season finale, where a Did Not Finish (DNF) further damaged his standing within the team.

With these results, the future of Sergio Perez at Red Bull has been called into question. Team principal Christian Horner had previously hinted that discussions surrounding Perez’s future would be held following the conclusion of the 2024 season, and many expect the team to explore alternative options for 2025. However, despite the ongoing rumors and uncertainty, the FIA’s 2025 entry list confirms Perez is still officially listed as Verstappen’s teammate for next season. This inclusion, though, is provisional, meaning it could change before the season opener in Melbourne in March 2025.

This provisional listing is based on the current contracts that are in place, which would explain why Perez is still listed as Verstappen’s teammate. Perez is under contract with Red Bull until 2026, a fact that further complicates any immediate changes to his position within the team. However, with the season’s conclusion approaching and a number of potential drivers linked to the seat, including rising stars from the Red Bull program, the situation could still shift in the months ahead.

While Perez’s place in the team remains uncertain, Red Bull’s junior team lineup offers a potential clue as to the direction the team may take. The list also reveals that Yuki Tsunoda, who currently drives for AlphaTauri (Red Bull’s junior team), is confirmed as a driver for 2025, but his teammate is listed as “TBC” (To Be Confirmed). This mirrors Tsunoda’s existing contract, which has him signed with AlphaTauri for next season. However, the “TBC” status for his teammate has led to speculation that Liam Lawson, who is currently serving as a reserve driver for Red Bull, might be promoted to a full-time seat at AlphaTauri for 2025.

If Lawson were to replace Perez, this could lead to a significant reshuffling within the Red Bull Racing family. The idea of Lawson stepping up to race alongside Verstappen has been widely discussed, with many believing the young New Zealander could be the one to fill the void left by Perez’s departure. Lawson has impressed with his performances in reserve driver roles and during testing sessions, and his promotion to Red Bull’s senior team would provide a natural progression in the team’s driver development pipeline.

The current entry list also includes several other notable driver and team entries for 2025. However, the focus remains on the developments at Red Bull, particularly regarding their driver lineup. The official FIA entry list is considered provisional, and with multiple factors still at play, changes could occur as the 2025 season approaches. Red Bull’s decision regarding Perez will be critical, as they look to balance performance with stability within the team.

As it stands, the FIA’s release simply reflects the existing contracts and current team arrangements. However, it is clear that the dynamic at Red Bull is far from settled, and all eyes will remain on the team as the off-season progresses. The uncertainty surrounding Perez’s future, coupled with the emergence of new talent like Lawson, means that Red Bull’s driver lineup could look very different by the time the 2025 season begins in Melbourne.

In summary, the FIA’s official 2025 entry list has confirmed that Perez remains listed as Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, but this is provisional and subject to change. The ongoing discussions within Red Bull and potential movements within the junior team suggest that Perez’s seat may still be in jeopardy, with Liam Lawson emerging as a strong contender to replace him. As the 2025 season approaches, further developments are expected.