Red Bull could ‘steal’ young driver from championship rivals and place him at RB in 2025

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Red Bull’s 2025 driver line-up continues to be a leading discussion point in the Formula 1 paddock. But the resulting uncertainty around RB has been partly overlooked.

Max Verstappen is guaranteed to stay at Red Bull, and even Sauber – the only other outfit still in the market – have confirmed Nico Hulkenberg. Meanwhile, RB boss Laurent Mekies can’t name either of his 2025 drivers with any degree of certainty.

Yuki Tsunoda’s deal was extended back in June, around the same time that Red Bull renewed Sergio Perez. But when that failed to inspire an improvement in Perez’s performances, the internal debate was re-opened.

Tsunoda could now race for Red Bull if he’s able to beat Liam Lawson, who’s just replaced Daniel Ricciardo, in each of the next six races. He’s been with the team since 2021.

Equally, if Lawson has the edge and Perez continues to struggle, he will likely get the nod. Either outcome would present a vacancy for a new face at RB.

F2 title contender Isack Hadjar is the obvious candidate from the driver programme. But Red Bull may also assess external options.

Red Bull could poach Gabriel Bortoleto from McLaren for 2025 RB line-up

The Race’s Scott Mitchell-Malm says Red Bull are ready to drop Perez if Lawson ‘does the job’. While he says Hadjar could graduate to RB, he also suggested they could ‘steal a rival’s junior’.

Red Bull have ‘made noises’ about Franco Colapinto already. Colapinto has been outstanding for Williams since replacing Logan Sargeant at the end of August, but he doesn’t currently have a seat for next year with Alex Albon under contract and Carlos Sainz set to arrive from Ferrari.

Christian Horner has publicly praised Colapinto but Mitchell-Malm thinks Gabriel Bortoleto may be on a private shortlist. This is controversial because Bortoleto is part of the McLaren academy.

It’s unclear whether or not a deal is feasible. If there’s no escape clause in the Brazilian’s contract, Red Bull would theoretically have to make an offer.

What Fernando Alonso has said about his protege Gabriel Bortoleto

It was recently claimed that McLaren see Bortoleto as a long-term replacement for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri. But they will also plan on keeping both of those drivers for as long as they can.

Norris is under contract until the end of 2028, while Piastri signed an extension last year that takes him through to 2026. His path is blocked by arguably the best line-up on the grid.

Manager Fernando Alonso has called Bortoleto ‘unbelievable’. But the two-time world champion is worried that he’ll be forgotten if he stays with McLaren.

Audi have shown interest in Bortoleto but the incumbent Valtteri Bottas is the favourite for the seat. That may be because they don’t want to take another driver on loan, the only arrangement Zak Brown may accept without a fight.