Red Bull’s driver lineup for 2025 is facing speculation amidst growing scrutiny on Sergio Perez.
- Carlos Sainz might have lost his chance at a Red Bull seat, as the team considers internal candidates.
- A performance clause could see Perez replaced if his poor streak continues.
- Liam Lawson is leading the race to join Max Verstappen, putting other contenders in the shade.
- Red Bull’s focus is on nurturing young talent, with several juniors ready to step up.
Red Bull Racing’s 2025 driver lineup is creating a buzz in the Formula 1 community. With current driver Sergio Perez under pressure due to a series of lackluster performances, the team’s advisor, Helmut Marko, has dropped a bombshell. For a driver who just recently inked a two-year extension, Perez’s seat seems shakier than ever. Due to a performance clause in his contract, Perez might face a swap if he lags behind Max Verstappen by over 100 points in the Drivers’ standings. This weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix could be pivotal, as Perez trails Verstappen by a whopping 137 points.
Carlos Sainz, who once sharpened his racing skills with Red Bull’s junior team, might not return as a potential recruit. Despite being a hot topic in the driver market, Sainz’s path doesn’t seem to lead back to Red Bull. He was informed that his time with Ferrari would end with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton at the end of the current season. As a result, his future in Formula 1 has been uncertain, with possible links to teams like Audi, Williams, and Alpine.
The possibility of Red Bull drawing back Carlos Sainz was once exciting, with Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, open to external options. That door, however, seems closed now, as Helmut Marko indicates a preference for promoting from within. Liam Lawson, who has already made a mark with a stint at VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri), tops Red Bull’s shortlist for 2025. The young driver’s successful test with Red Bull’s championship-leading RB20 car has only solidified his candidacy.
Amidst all the speculation, Yuki Tsunoda’s name also emerged, with the driver confidently stating his readiness to partner Verstappen. Yet, Tsunoda’s chances appear slim, with the intense focus on Lawson and other Red Bull juniors, Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar. Hadjar, currently leading the F2 series, even got a taste of the action during the British Grand Prix’s practice session.
Red Bull’s internal talent pool is robust. The team wants to revert to its root strategy of nurturing young talent, as emphasized by the shareholders. With the balance between experience and fresh blood at stake, the Red Bull camp has its sights set firmly on a future where young drivers like Lawson and Hadjar can shine.
Red Bull’s strategy appears clear: nurture young talent from within as they eye the future of their F1 lineup.
