Will Perez be driving for Red Bull in 2025? 'Actually no replacement needed'

While there is no change in 2024 with regard to drivers, you should not expect the same from 2025. 14 of the 20 drivers have expiring contracts after 2024. Verstappen, Hamilton, Russell, Piastri, Norris and probably Lance Stroll are already sure of a seat in 2025. Lawrence Barretto, correspondent for the Formula 1 gives his opinion on who should get a seat in 2025.

Sergio Perez has often been under fire for disappointing results in 2023. Yet the Mexican managed to secure second place in the championship. "Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull will be one of the most sought after. Team Principal Christian Horner has said it’s the Mexican’s seat to lose. Do a good job – and improve significantly in qualifying where he struggled in 2023 – and the team have no reason to change," said Barretto.

"Fail to do so and Red Bull can dip into their driver pool which includes Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. As it stands, it is believed Ricciardo tops senior management’s list of suitable replacements. With many insiders feeling his AlphaTauri team will make a big step forward this year in terms of competitiveness, there’s a strong chance he’ll deliver."

AlphaTauri

"Should AlphaTauri become more competitive this year, as they begin a new era led by former Ferrari Sporting Director Laurent Mekies, their seats will become even more sought after," added Barretto. The first one you think of as a new driver at AlphaTauri is Liam Lawson. "That call will be made for them if Ricciardo steps up to Red Bull, as it’s likely that another good season for Tsunoda will be enough to keep him alongside the returning Lawson. But if Tsunoda or Ricciardo struggle, it would be a no-brainer for Red Bull to slot Lawson in for one of them."