Just in:FIA Confirms Verstappen’s 2025 Team-Mate as…..read more
FIA Confirms Verstappen’s 2025 Team-Mate as…..read more
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has officially released the entry list for the 2025 season, providing clarity on driver numbers and team-mates for the upcoming year. However, the list has sparked much speculation, particularly regarding the identity of Max Verstappen’s team-mate at Red Bull Racing, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Sergio Perez’s future with the team.
Max Verstappen’s dominant performance in the 2024 season has already been a talking point, as the Dutch driver clinched his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite Verstappen’s individual success, Red Bull failed to secure the Constructors’ Championship, a disappointment that many attribute to Perez’s poor run of form, which ultimately hindered the team’s chances of finishing on top. As a result, Red Bull finished the season in third place in the Constructors’ standings, with Perez’s underperformance becoming a key point of discussion within the team.
Following the disappointing end to the season, including a non-finish (DNF) at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the spotlight turned to Perez’s future at Red Bull. Team principal Christian Horner had already indicated that discussions about Perez’s future would take place after the conclusion of the 2024 season. With the pressure mounting, many within the paddock have speculated that Perez may not retain his seat for the 2025 season, especially given the younger talent that Red Bull has in its ranks.
Despite Perez’s ongoing contract with Red Bull, which is valid until 2026, the FIA’s 2025 entry list has officially confirmed both Verstappen and Perez as Red Bull drivers for the upcoming season. However, it is important to note that this entry list is provisional, meaning that changes could still occur before the start of the 2025 season, which kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in March. This allows for the possibility that Perez may not be with Red Bull by the time the season starts, as many observers expect the team to make a change.
The inclusion of Perez on the 2025 entry list is largely based on the current driver contracts that stand, as of now, for the 2025 season. This is why Perez is still listed, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. However, there is increasing speculation that Red Bull may decide to replace the Mexican driver with someone else, particularly after his struggles in 2024. Reports have suggested that Red Bull may promote Liam Lawson, the talented junior driver currently racing for the team in various roles, to the main Red Bull Racing seat alongside Verstappen.
The driver pairing for 2025 remains a hot topic, especially considering Lawson’s impressive performances when given opportunities to race. If the young New Zealander does get the nod to join Verstappen at Red Bull, it would mark a new chapter for the team as they look to strengthen their lineup for the future.
On the other hand, the entry list also shines a light on the status of Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri. Yuki Tsunoda, currently a key driver for AlphaTauri, is listed on the provisional 2025 entry list with his position confirmed. However, his team-mate remains a mystery, with the FIA entry list showing his seat as “TBC” (to be confirmed). This is reflective of Tsunoda’s current contract, but the “TBC” listing has fueled further speculation that Lawson may be moved to the AlphaTauri seat, making room for him to join Verstappen at Red Bull.
While Lawson’s potential promotion is the subject of much chatter, the uncertainty around Perez’s position is also feeding the debate about the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup. Perez has endured a difficult spell at Red Bull, and many have pointed out that his continued presence in the team could undermine the team’s pursuit of further success, especially with Verstappen continuing to perform at such an elite level. In contrast, bringing in Lawson would be seen as a bold move to secure a young, hungry driver who could potentially challenge Verstappen for supremacy at Red Bull.
Ultimately, the FIA’s official 2025 entry list has offered a glimpse into what the grid could look like in the near future, but it is clear that significant changes could still happen before the start of the 2025 season. While Verstappen’s position at Red Bull is secure, the identity of his team-mate remains a highly anticipated topic of conversation in the F1 world. For now, fans will have to wait for further announcements from Red Bull and the FIA as to who will be standing alongside Verstappen on the grid in 2025.
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