Helmut Marko gives timeline on when to expect ‘clearance’ on the second RB seat

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With only two seats left on the Formula 1 grid for the 2025 season, there is increased speculation over who will take up the final slots at Visa CashApp RB and Sauber.

Sauber is likely to not announce its plans until the end of the season, while there is an announcement at RB expected imminently.

Liam Lawson is expected to be on the shortlist after impressing last season standing in for Daniel Ricciardo, whose form has not picked up after struggles at the start of the season.

Ricciardo was tipped to be a replacement for Sergio Perez at Red Bull, however, that could change depending on whether the Mexican can improve his form in the final eight races of this season.

Discussing the timeline for their plans on Viaplay, team advisor Helmut Marko has issued an update on when to expect ‘clearance’ on the matter.

Helmut Marko says Red Bull will reveal RB plans in Singapore

Marko has previously stated they will reveal its plans in September for their full driver lineup, while also insinuating that Lawson will be driving in a Red Bull car in 2025.

Lawson has a clause in his contract that says he can leave Red Bull if he doesn’t get a seat, which could be a blow for the team as he could take knowledge of their operations to a rival.

Marko has confirmed when they plan to reveal their plans ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix when speaking to media.

“We have an idea. Wait until Singapore. By then we will have a clear picture,” said Marko.

When pressed on whether that meant Liam Lawson, Marko responded: “There will be a clearance of what will happen. Wait till after Singapore.”

What Lawson found ‘very strange’ over RB snub

Lawson recently opened up on getting snubbed for the RB seat over Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda in 2024, saying he found it ‘very strange’ that the team overlooked him.

The New Zealander has not competed in another championship this year and has mainly focused his efforts on a testing role with Red Bull as he awaits a seat for 2025 and beyond.

READ MORE: Who is Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Audi is unlikely to be an option for Lawson, meaning RB could be his only hope for a seat next season.

Both Ricciardo and Lawson have already been told that a ‘decision’s been made’ on their futures, with the former’s F1 future looking more unclear than ever.