As the 2024 Formula 1 season nears its end, Red Bull Racing faces an important decision: who will partner with Max Verstappen next year? Sergio Perez has held this spot, but his recent struggles have raised questions about his future with the team. With a contract already in place, Perez could stay, yet his recent drop in form may encourage Red Bull to look at other options. Here’s a look at some of the potential candidates to join Verstappen for the upcoming season.
Sergio Perez: Can He Hold onto His Seat?
Sergio Perez is still a strong candidate to remain alongside Verstappen at Red Bull, given his existing contract with the team. However, his recent performances have been inconsistent, with only eight points scored over the last five races. This slump has impacted Red Bull’s standing in the constructors’ championship, which could make the team reconsider paying a buyout fee to bring in a fresh face. Perez has survived performance issues before and finished second in the drivers’ championship last year. With Verstappen’s support, it’s possible that Perez could still retain his seat for next season.
Liam Lawson: The Rising Talent
Liam Lawson, who recently stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo, has been making waves as a potential candidate. The young New Zealander has proven his skill with consistent performances and even secured points at the United States Grand Prix despite starting from the back. While Lawson has shown his potential, his inexperience could be a concern for Red Bull, who learned from previous stints with Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon that speed alone may not be enough to thrive in such a competitive environment. Nevertheless, Lawson remains a top contender should Red Bull opt for a new driver.
Yuki Tsunoda: A Long Shot
Yuki Tsunoda has been with the Red Bull family since 2021 and has shown consistent growth, scoring 28 points this season. While he has made noticeable progress, he doesn’t appear to be the front-runner for Perez’s seat. Red Bull management has been critical of some of Tsunoda’s recent mistakes, suggesting his potential move to Red Bull may not be imminent. However, if he delivers strong performances in the remaining races, he could improve his chances.
Franco Colapinto: The Surprise Contender
Rumors have recently emerged around Franco Colapinto, who stepped in for Williams and made a strong impression. While he has shown promise, his lack of experience and a hefty $20 million fee from Williams team boss James Vowles are factors Red Bull would need to consider. Though it seems more likely that Colapinto would start in a junior team if given a shot with Red Bull, he remains an intriguing wildcard in the lineup of possible replacements for Perez.
Carlos Sainz: An Unlikely Option
Although Carlos Sainz is not considered a primary candidate for Red Bull, a recent rumor suggested the team might attempt to buy out his contract from Williams. While Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has dismissed this speculation, Sainz’s recent victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix has kept him in the conversation. For now, Sainz’s best shot at rejoining Red Bull would be to outperform his rivals consistently.
With Perez’s future uncertain, Red Bull has several interesting candidates who each bring unique strengths to the table. As the team weighs their options, Formula 1 fans eagerly await to see who will join Verstappen for the next season, aiming to keep Red Bull competitive in the constructors’ championship.