Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 career may be approaching its conclusion as Red Bull actively explores potential replacements. The Mexican driver’s inconsistent performance has created challenges for his team. During a standout season for Red Bull in 2023, he finished 300 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen, yet still secured second place, contributing to the team’s victory in the Constructors’ Championship. This achievement led to a two-year extension of his contract with Red Bull.
Unfortunately, the 34-year-old has struggled to seize his chances, putting his team in a difficult position. Although some of his difficulties can be linked to technical issues with the RB20, this does not excuse his seventh-place standing in the Drivers’ Championship. As a result, the team based in Milton Keynes feels compelled to seek alternatives. The Red Bull boss has confirmed that VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda will test an RB car. This could be a potential audition to earn a promotion.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Entry Imminent Following Christian Horner’s Remark
Christian Horner recently shared that Yuki Tsunoda, a driver for the junior team, will have another opportunity to test with Red Bull Racing. This decision follows discussions with Honda and comes after Tsunoda’s earlier experience at the Goodwood Festival, where he became the first driver to pilot a current Formula 1 car while wearing an open-face helmet and goggles.
Horner confirmed that the plan for Tsunoda to test the car has been in place for some time. The upcoming tire test, set to take place after the season concludes, will allow Tsunoda to work closely with Red Bull Racing engineers. This experience aims to assess his performance in a Red Bull Racing car and provide valuable insights for both Tsunoda and the team.
The Japanese racer has had a decent season after being retained by the VCARB team. Helmut Marko also praised the young racer, claiming he would be the team’s future. Marko has always advocated for young drivers, as he grooms young talents for the Bulls. Tsunoda is among his favorite drivers, giving him an edge over the others. Thus, if Tsunoda continues to impress the Red Bull jury, he might soon get a promotion.
Franco Colapinto Out Of Red Bull Second Seat Contention
At the Mexican Grand Prix, Sky Italia reporter Roberto Chinchero revealed that Red Bull had extended an offer to the young Argentine driver, who has shown impressive performances since stepping in for Logan Sargeant at Williams. Helmut Marko acknowledged the unusual nature of the situation, noting that the driver did not particularly stand out in previous junior categories. While he was competent, Marko emphasized that the driver’s “ice-cold determination” caught their attention, especially considering the challenging circumstances he faced, similar to those of Liam Lawson.
Marko, who is 81, confirmed that he contacted the driver’s management. He remarked that in Formula 1, discussions among teams are common. However, he also recognized that a deal between Red Bull and Colapinto for the 2025 season is unlikely due to the young driver’s long-term contract with Williams. While James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, offered to loan Colapinto to another team, Marko dismissed this option, stating that it held little interest for any team. He further explained that Red Bull is content with its junior drivers and does not intend to develop talent for other teams.