RED BULL: “NO GAP AMONG OUR DRIVERS IN 2025”
Red Bull acknowledges that selecting the right driver duo is crucial for the team’s future in a period when its rivals are stronger than ever. Team principal Christian Horner emphasized that they “cannot afford a significant performance gap” between their two drivers. On the other hand, Sergio Perez feels increasing pressure to finish the season strongly. Based in Milton Keynes, the team has lost the lead in the constructors’ championship to McLaren and is at risk of losing second place to Ferrari, currently 34 points behind.
Perez’s inability to provide the expected contribution, with only 144 points compared to Max Verstappen’s impressive 331, further complicates Red Bull’s difficult situation. Despite this, it was confirmed after the summer break that Perez would continue with the team, as they believe he can perform better in certain areas.
However, things haven’t been going well for Perez, especially after losing a potential podium finish in Baku due to an incident with Carlos Sainz. The decision to bring Liam Lawson in to evaluate his potential as a 2025 Red Bull candidate, replacing Daniel Ricciardo, clearly indicates that the team is searching for the best strategy for the future.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, emphasizes the critical need to evaluate available options as next year’s championship battle is likely to become even more challenging.
Considering the approximately $9 million gap between leaders in the constructors’ championship, it’s clear that the performance of Red Bull’s second driver could cost them one or two positions, leading to significant financial consequences. Horner stated regarding their drivers, “We need answers to a great extent.”
He added, “Looking at our competitors, Ferrari will be stronger next year with Hamilton and Leclerc. Also, McLaren has a strong lineup with Norris and Piastri.” He stressed the importance of ensuring there isn’t a significant gap between their two drivers, stating, “We cannot afford that.”
The possibility of Liam Lawson moving to Red Bull if he performs well in the final races of the season has increased, especially with rookie drivers becoming fashionable in F1 again. Thanks to the impressive performances of Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto, teams are becoming more receptive to giving young drivers a chance.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko recently told Speedweek: “Oliver Bearman and especially Franco Colapinto’s Grand Prix performances show that young drivers are ready to move up, and the old philosophy of some team principals that only drivers with three or four years of experience can be promoted to a top team is outdated.”
“Mercedes has proven this through their driver selections, just as Red Bull Racing has done in the past.” He concluded, “So you can trust young drivers. There is a certain risk, but it is manageable, and it’s worth it.”
