McLaren in Late F1 2025 Driver Market Shift as Red Bull Sets Perez

McLaren in Late F1 2025 Driver Market Shift as Red Bull Sets Perez Decision Timeline

In a significant turn of events in the F1 2025 driver market, McLaren is at the center of attention, while Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has established a timeline for deciding Sergio Perez’s future with the team.

McLaren is reportedly ready to support Audi’s efforts for the upcoming season by allowing their promising junior driver, Gabriel Bortoleto, to race for Audi F1. Both McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella have approved the potential move. Bortoleto is one of several young drivers being considered for a seat at Audi F1, alongside current driver Nico Hulkenberg.

Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas has confirmed his agreement to stay with Sauber for the 2025 season, although the team has yet to make a final decision on their driver lineup. The market shuffle around McLaren and Audi is part of a larger effort to solidify team rosters for the 2025 season.

On the Red Bull front, Sergio Perez’s future hangs in the balance as the Mexican driver has struggled to deliver strong performances this season. He has not secured a podium since April’s Chinese Grand Prix and is currently 204 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen. Despite signing a new two-year contract in June, Perez’s future with Red Bull remains uncertain, and the team is expected to make a final decision before the 2025 season begins. Red Bull has emphasized that the contract will not prevent them from making changes if necessary.

With his home race in Mexico approaching, Perez is under pressure to prove himself, as Red Bull weighs its options for 2025.