The pressure continues to increase for Sergio Perez, following yet another unsatisfactory result for Red Bull. In addition to looking at Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson as candidates for a 2025 seat, the reigning champions are evaluating options elsewhere. One of them is understood to be Franco Colapinto.
Colapinto on Red Bull’s radar for the future
On numerous occasions in recent weeks, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have delivered blunt statements about Sergio Perez’s future.
Both senior Red Bull personnel have insisted that putting together the strongest driver line-up possible is their priority.
As Ferrari and McLaren assert themselves as title contenders (for next season as well as this one), Red Bull cannot persist with a driver that simply fails to deliver.
On paper, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are the most obvious replacements. With that said, other drivers outside of the Austrian team’s academy are also being considered.
According to a report from Sky Italy earlier this week, Red Bull have probed Franco Colapinto’s management about his openness to joining their driver set-up.
Whether Colapinto is seen as a direct replacement for Perez is unclear, though it seems more likely he is seen as a valuable asset to have at VCARB.
Either way, Christian Horner’s squad have taken notice of his performances and obvious potential.
Williams ties complicate a Franco Colapinto move
Speaking to the media in Mexico earlier this week, Helmut Marko responded to this report.
“He [Colapinto] arrived with ice-cold determination,” he told Kleine zeintug.
“Even though he was thrown in at the deep end like Liam Lawson.
“One thing is clear, in Formula 1 everyone talks to everyone.”
“The problem with him is that he has a long-term contract with Williams.”
Colapinto’s ties with Williams are also complicating his chances of joining Sauber in 2025. Most teams are unwilling to sign a driver they know will leave within a few seasons.
Even from the Colapinto perspective, signing a contract with Sauber – especially whilst the likes of Red Bull are monitoring his progress – would perhaps be a hasty decision.
Of course, it would be premature to suggest that the 21-year-old is on his way to Red Bull. There are several obstacles that would make such a move logistically very complex.
However, there can be no denying that Colapinto will be a highly sought-after prospect for the foreseeable future.
From Red Bull’s perspective, the Argentine’s fantastic performances serve as a reminder of the young talent they are potentially obstructing with their current driver line-up.
