Perez and Ricciardo out for next Verstappen? The F1 analysis of Red Bull’s driver pool

For years, Red Bull brought talents to Formula 1. The rookies made their debut in the junior team, which is now called Racing Bulls, and were then supposed to join the A team if possible. However, there hasn’t been a Red Bull rookie since 2021 and there hasn’t been a promotion from Feanza to Milton Keynes since 2019. That is set to change again in the future.

Junior superpower Red Bull comes to a complete standstill

The stocktaking for the former industry leader in terms of young talent has read awful in recent years. Yuki Tsunoda was the last rookie from their own junior division in 2021, and he was actually only there through Honda. After the firing of Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly before him, the A team preferred to rely on Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz fled of his own accord in 2017. Despite strong performances at Alpha Tauri, Gasly did not get a second chance and went to Alpine. And Nyck de Vries – actually a Mercedes junior – was replaced during the 2023 season by the even older returnee Daniel Ricciardo.

Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz fled from Red Bull, Photo: LAT Images

Successful youth work looks different. But that is exactly what Red Bull wants to drive again. The reason for this is the weakening established drivers in combination with promising talents. Red Bull has hardly had any of the latter for a few years, which is why in 2021 Perez was hired as an external driver for the first time in years. We are analyzing the situation for 2025 driver by driver. Apart from Max Verstappen, because the world champion is of course completely out of the question (at least from Red Bull’s side).

Sergio Perez is about to destroy his own Formula 1 contract

Actually, everything should be clear with Sergio Perez. The Mexican extended his contract until 2026. But this contract contains performance clauses. And his current performances are nothing but unacceptable. “He knows that things can’t go on like this, not scoring any points. He has to score the points with this car, he knows that. That is his role and his goal,” commented team boss Christian Horner. If Perez doesn’t get his act together, it seems he’s gone. Then ‘Checo’ would have to look outside the Red Bull cosmos.

Horner favourite Daniel Ricciardo not good enough

It is an open secret in the paddock that Daniel Ricciardo has a powerful advocate in team boss Horner. The Briton would probably like to bring him back into the A team straight away, but the Australian’s performances simply don’t allow for that. Every now and then he manages to achieve highlights like in Miami or Canada. But they just come too rarely. Maybe that’s enough for him to stay with the Racing Bulls, but probably not enough for him to be promoted again. His teammate is currently more convincing.

Why not Yuki Tsuonda in the A-Team?

This one is called Yuki Tsunoda and is clearly having his best Formula 1 season to date. Horner’s assessment sounds more like praise for Ricciardo: “He gets the weekends together and does a good job. I think he benefits from having Daniel next to him. He openly admits that he can learn from an experienced driver how to interact with the team and the engineers.”

Tsunoda has also never been allowed to test in a Red Bull. Nevertheless, Horner is leaving the door open for him as a potential new teammate of Verstappen: “You can’t rule anything out. We have the option for several years with Yuki because we believe in his talent.” It is clear that Tsunoda will also drive for the Red Bull group next year, but not for which of the two teams. The Japanese driver must hope that he does not suffer the same fate as Pierre Gasly. As with Gasly with Alpine, another opportunity could arise for him in the future at Aston Martin thanks to Honda, but probably not before 2027.

Liam Lawson actually has to go to Formula 1

One who gets a Red Bull test is Liam Lawson. Horner denies that this is being done in preparation for a replacement for Sergio Perez during the 2024 season: “Liam’s test is an aero run that was planned months ago.” Nevertheless, it is clear that the New Zealander can hardly be parked on the bench any longer. Lawson has clearly demonstrated his suitability for F1 in 2023 as Ricciardo’s replacement in several appearances. He actually has to be in the Racing Bull next year, otherwise other teams will most likely put out feelers. Dr. Helmut Marko also knows this, as you can read here:

Hadjar and Lindblad: The next super talents?

And then there are two that Horner praises highly: “Both Isaac [Hadjar] and Arvid Lindblad are outstanding talents who are coming up.” Lindblad, who is only 16 years old, is certainly not ready for Formula 1 yet, but he is a more than hot prospect. In his rookie year in the The Briton excels in Formula 3 against opponents who are several years older and is currently in second place in the rankings. He has already won four races. For now, he will move on to Formula 2.

Isaac Hadjar is already driving in this one, and not just somehow. The 19-year-old Frenchman leads the overall standings. He is the only driver to date to have won more than one main race (3). In Silverstone, the junior was allowed to drive the RB20 for the first time in training. Christian Horner thinks highly of him: “He has strong arguments in his favor for next year, so we are in no hurry to give away the places.”

Conclusion: Experienced players need a quick turnaround

The situation is clear at the moment: Ricciardo, but especially Perez, absolutely need results, and as soon as possible. Tsunoda, on the other hand, is now delivering consistently. Liam Lawson will certainly not want to stay on the bench for another year and Isaac Hadjar is emerging as a real option. It can no longer be ruled out that Red Bull will start with Verstappen and Tsuonda next year, while the Racing Bulls pairing could be Lawson and Hadjar.

Transfer update! Sainz, Schumacher, Perez & Co: Who will drive in 2025 (14:36 min.)

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