The future of Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing has become one of the most closely watched sagas in Formula 1, with team boss Christian Horner providing the clearest hint yet about who could replace the Mexican driver if the team decides to part ways after a turbulent 2024 season.
Despite an impressive start to 2024, including four podiums in the first five races, Perez’s performance fell sharply as the season progressed, contributing to Red Bull’s third-place finish in the constructors’ standings. This marked a significant fall for the reigning champions, especially given Max Verstappen’s continued dominance, clinching the drivers’ title two rounds early.
Horner: Lawson and Tsunoda are the Leading Contenders
Speaking about potential replacements for Perez, Horner singled out Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as the top candidates. Both drivers have shown promise in the Red Bull program, with Lawson stepping up to the senior team after Daniel Ricciardo’s mid-season exit and Tsunoda recently completing his first test in Red Bull’s championship-winning car.
“I think Liam, in challenging circumstances, has done a very good job,” said Horner. “If you analyse what he’s done and the race pace he’s had, I think he’s done a good job. I think Yuki’s done a good job, so in the event that anything were decided with Checo, they would be the candidates we would look towards.”
Perez’s Uncertain Future: A Decision Looms
While Perez remains under contract with Red Bull for 2025, Horner acknowledged that the team would be conducting an end-of-season review to evaluate their path forward.
“Checo has been a great servant to this team,” Horner emphasized. “He’s been integral to our success in the constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023, and we’ll sit down and reflect on the season.”
The team’s priority, Horner stressed, is securing a strong driver pairing that can deliver consistent points in the constructors’ fight. “Ferrari, McLaren, and even Mercedes will have strong line-ups next year,” Horner said. “It’s crucial that both of our drivers are scoring regularly to remain competitive.”
Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Test: A Step Toward Promotion?
Tsunoda, who has spent four years with AlphaTauri, completed his first test in the Red Bull RB20 during the post-season Abu Dhabi test. His reaction to the experience was glowing.
“[It was] very fun! It’s the first different car I’ve driven in four years, and I now understand why this car fights for championships,” Tsunoda said, adding, “I’m happier than ever right now.”
A Crucial Off-Season for Red Bull
Horner made it clear that no immediate decisions would be made, as Perez’s future is still under consideration. However, the writing appears to be on the wall: Red Bull is preparing for the possibility of a reshuffle, and the performances of Lawson and Tsunoda will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the team’s strategy for 2025.
With Ferrari’s formidable line-up, McLaren’s resurgence, and Mercedes’ uncertain mix of youth and experience, Red Bull faces immense pressure to get its driver pairing right. Whether Perez can hold onto his seat or if one of Red Bull’s rising stars will step up remains to be seen, but the stakes have never been higher.