The upcoming driver lineups for Red Bull and AlphaTauri are a hot topic with the 2025 season approaching.
While most Formula 1 teams have settled their driver pairings, AlphaTauri recently secured Yuki Tsunoda for another year, leaving a vacancy in the second seat.
This creates a significant challenge for the Red Bull camp. Daniel Ricciardo, once seen as a successor to Sergio Perez at Red Bull, hasn’t shown consistent top-tier performance.
As a result, Perez received a two-year extension, leaving Ricciardo’s future uncertain. Traditionally, AlphaTauri serves as a training ground for Red Bull’s rising stars.
This opens the door for Liam Lawson, a promising 22-year-old driver from New Zealand. After a successful stint replacing Ricciardo in 2023, Lawson’s contract is up, making him a free agent if Red Bull doesn’t offer a permanent position.
Rumors of Ricciardo’s potential departure have grown stronger after comments from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who appears to favor Lawson. Hints from Red Bull’s CEO suggest a crucial “quiet discussion” in August, which will determine the driver roster for both teams in the coming season.
With the 2024 Formula 1 season in full swing, Red Bull is taking a patient approach to finalizing their driver line-up for next year. Their focus currently lies on car development, reflected in their swift confirmation of Yuki Tsunoda but leaving Daniel Ricciardo’s seat in question.
Red Bull acknowledges Ricciardo’s positive impact since joining mid-2023. He brought fresh energy and supported Tsunoda’s development.
However, the team emphasizes its commitment to fostering young talent, aligning with their shareholder’s vision. This philosophy opens the door for test driver Liam Lawson to potentially step up.
A final decision won’t be rushed and is expected during the summer break. Ricciardo’s performance throughout the remaining races will undoubtedly influence Red Bull’s choice.
The possibility of a mid-season swap within the Red Bull stable, as hinted by Christian Horner, further adds intrigue to the driver market. With pressure on Ricciardo to deliver, the upcoming races promise to be crucial for determining the future composition of Red Bull’s driver line-up.
