Red Bull Racing advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has shed light on the ongoing discussions regarding the team’s 2025 driver lineup. While Max Verstappen is firmly secured in a long-term contract, the question remains: Who will partner him in the other Red Bull seat?
“The talks are ongoing and Checo [Sergio Perez] is still our first option,” the 81-year-old Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung. We want to clarify that before the summer break, even though we put absolutely no pressure on ourselves otherwise.”
Speaking to select media including Crash.net in Monaco, Perez said: “I think like I’ve said before, my main focus for this weekend isn’t on my contract. I know that negotiations are underway and at some point we will know and you will be the first ones to know.
“It’s not like a percentage or anything like that, until you don’t sign it doesn’t matter how close you are. Nothing’s been signed yet, and anyway the focus right now is not on my contract, it’s mainly on this weekend.”
The Contenders for Red Bull Seat
- Sergio Pérez:
- Pérez, affectionately known as “Checo,” has been the incumbent driver alongside Verstappen.
- His strong start to the 2024 season has positioned him as the favorite to retain the seat.
- Contract discussions with Pérez are already underway, and Red Bull considers him their primary option.
- Carlos Sainz:
- Carlos Sainz, formerly with Ferrari, is available for the 2025 season.
- Despite being dropped by Ferrari in favor of Lewis Hamilton, Sainz remains a viable option for Red Bull.
- Marko confirms that Sainz is in talks with the team, adding an intriguing twist to the driver market
- Yuki Tsunoda:
- Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen’s teammate at AlphaTauri, is emerging as a dark horse.
- His impressive performance in the midfield has caught Red Bull’s attention.
- Tsunoda’s 15 points so far in the season surpass those of drivers from the bottom five teams combined.
- Marko confirms that Tsunoda is also part of the discussions, emphasizing that they have several options within his contract.
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