The Red Bull contenders to partner Verstappen
Earlier this season, it seemed clear that Sergio Perez would partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull again next year and potentially also in 2026, following the extension of the Mexican driver’s contract.
However, since the 34-year-old signed his 1+1 year deal, his form has taken an extraordinary turn. Perez has struggled for several month and has scored just eight points in the last five races.
As a result, his seat for next season has been linked with several drivers. Here is an overview of the drivers who have been rumoured as Verstappen’s team-mate for next year.
Sergio Perez
Of course, Perez is still a candidate to stay at Red Bull. He does have a contract with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, with a large fee likely needing to be paid by the team to release him.
However, based on his current form and Red Bull slipping to third in the constructors’ championship, it could be a fee worth paying.
On the flip side, this season is not the first time in recent years that Perez has endured a difficult spell at Red Bull, with him having survived the axe before.
He also finished second in last year’s drivers’ championship and Verstappen has spoken highly of the Mexican driver who he does get on with. Could this see Perez retained?
Liam Lawson
If Red Bull does decide to part ways with Perez, then current RB driver Liam Lawson looks like the favourite to replace him.
The New Zealander recently replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB and, like he did in his six-race stint last year, has impressed on multiple occasions.
Lawson scored points on his first race back on the grid at the United States Grand Prix, despite a grid penalty putting him at the back of the grid.
He has the ability to be a Red Bull driver; however, could his inexperience get in the way? Red Bull has learnt in the past that just speed alone is not always enough, as was the case with Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon.
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda still remains a separate story within the Red Bull family. The Japanese has been driving for RB since 2021 and has been performing very strongly, especially this season.
Tsunoda has scored 28 points, but he does not seem to be a favourite for the Red Bull seat.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and team principal Christian Horner were also highly critical of the RB driver after recent mistakes.
It appears Tsunoda is a contender but is highly unlikely to get Perez’s seat, despite having a Red Bull test at the end of the season. Could a strong final three races improve his chances?
Franco Colapinto
In Brazil, there was a sudden rumour that Franco Colapinto might become Verstappen’s team-mate.
Red Bull has shown interest in the F1 sensation, who has performed strongly for Williams since replacing Logan Sargeant; however, he did crash twice in Brazil.
Horner is eager to attract Colapinto, but must put $20 million on the table, RacingNews365 understands. That is the fee demanded by Williams team boss James Vowles.
With Colapinto being even more inexperienced than Lawson, it would be logical to promote the New Zealander and place the Williams driver in the junior team. Nevertheless, Colapinto is a surprise candidate.
Carlos Sainz
A small mention does need to be given to Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard is not the favourite to replace Perez, especially with him now having a Williams contract.
Despite this, a rumour arose that Red Bull wanted to buy out his contract wit the Grove based team. If this happened, Vowles would have a full-time seat to offer Colapinto.
This rumour has been dismissed by Horner, even though Sainz did recently win the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Sainz’ best chance at a return to the Red Bull family would be to out-perform Albon, something which could be very difficult.
