Formula 1 driver’s market was set ablaze with Lewis Hamilton’s abrupt move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. While Red Bull decided to retain its driver lineup for the next two years, things are constantly evolving in the realms of F1. Perez’s leash has been extended at least until the end of the 2024 season.
Despite a mediocre first half, Red Bull chose to allow Checo 10 more races to prove why he deserves the impending two-year extension contract. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s future with the drink-based outfit is also uncertain, given Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s strong pursuit. Amid a volatile market, rumors predict the bombshell return of a former world champion.
Sebastian Vettel Drops Bombshell Hint On Potential Return To F1
Red Bull Racing’s internal instability and political crisis might cost them three-time world champion Max Verstappen. Notably, the Dutch driver’s contract extends until 2028. However, that does not guarantee his stay, as he threatened to leave earlier this year following Christian Horner’s feud with Helmut Marko. While the duo’s truce convinced Max to stay, the future is highly uncertain. To further make RB’s life miserable, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is pursuing Max to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton from the 2025 season onwards. Amid a frenzy of speculations and uncertainty, former Red Bull driver and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has dropped a bombshell hint on his potential return to Formula 1.
Sebastian Vettel retired from F1 in 2022 following his brief stint with Aston Martin. He began his successful career at Red Bull before exploring the realms of Scuderia Ferrari. While Vettel retired at the age of 35, he still believes he could drive for 10 more years since his fitness is far superior compared to the active drivers on the grid. Vettel’s viral video was debriefed by Pitstop podcasters Jake and Fabio. The latter claimed that Vettel was dropping hints about his return to his home, which was an Austrian outfit. Fabio added that Max Verstappen is certainly leaving, given the change in dynamics and how relentless Mercedes has been in its pursuit. Moreover, the podcast host predicted Vettel would replace Max and team up with Sergio Perez in the future. Notably, Vettel also dialed up Toto Wolff following Hamilton’s shocking Ferrari move. However, the duo apparently didn’t discuss the possibility of a comeback move.
Daniel Ricciardo’s Bid Rejected As Red Bull Retains Checo!
Heading into the summer break, Red Bull Racing held a brief internal meeting to discuss Sergio Perez’s future amid a wave of decline. However, Christian Horner voted to let Checo have his remaining 10 races before eventually reconsidering the two-year extension contract by the end of the year.
Interestingly, Daniel Ricciardo was believed to be Checo’s immediate replacement at Red Bull. However, the team seemingly rejected his promotion and urged him to drive for the sister team, VCARB, for the rest of the year. Regardless, Ricciardo’s hope is not completely lost, as senior advisor Helmut Marko hinted at a possible scuffle in the 2025 F1 season.
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