Rival F1 team boss names Red Bull line-up he would have chosen for 2025 with Sergio Perez out

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull have decided to stick with Sergio Perez through the summer break. Some may see this as a display of faith in Perez, but it could also indicate a lack of faith in the alternatives.

Daniel Ricciardo was perhaps the leading contender. The Australian won seven races during his first stint at Red Bull and has been Verstappen’s strongest F1 teammate to date.

But he’s failed to put a consistent run of strong form together in his first full season back in the sport with RB. That’s why he’s only scored 12 points, virtually half what teammate Yuki Tsunoda has managed.

Even though Tsunoda is the lead driver at the junior team, he hasn’t come under consideration. Instead, reserve driver Liam Lawson seemed to be ahead of him in the queue.

Christian Horner doubts whether Tsunoda has the mental strength to survive alongside Verstappen. But equally, Lawson has only driven in five F1 races, the last of which was in Qatar in October 2023.

Red Bull still see Lawson as a key part of their future. But partnering him with the world champion too early risks permanent damage to his confidence.

James Vowles says Red Bull should have replaced Sergio Perez with Carlos Sainz

Rival F1 team boss James Vowles thinks Red Bull should have looked outside their driver pool for their Perez replacement. In his eyes, Carlos Sainz – the man he’s just signed to partner Alex Albon – was the standout candidate.

Sainz is a three-time race-winner with five pole positions and 23 pole positions to his name. He’s been on the market since February after Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton.

The Spaniard was a candidate for the seat. But ultimately, the prospect of tension between Sainz and Verstappen put Red Bull off.

They were teammates during their respective rookie campaigns at Toro Rosso back in 2015. It’s believed that there was a frosty atmosphere in the garage, with Jos Verstappen and Carlos Sainz Sr at the heart of the acrimony.

“When you’re in Red Bull’s position, where you’ve got a constructors’ championship at risk, it’s always a hard decision,” Vowles told outlets including Motorsport.com. “But yes, I would have Carlos alongside Max.”

When Red Bull could now axe Perez after ‘stay of execution’

The main reason that Perez is under threat is that Red Bull could lose out on the constructors’ championship. McLaren have closed the gap to 42 points, consistently gaining during a spell where the Mexican has scored just 28 points in eight races.

Red Bull stand to lose nearly £8m if McLaren pip them, but the question is whether the in-house options represent a safer bet. It’s conceivable that Ricciardo and Lawson can’t get any closer to Verstappen.

Still, the team are prepared to reassess the situation in the autumn. Specifically, Red Bull could axe Perez after the Singapore GP if he hasn’t shown sufficient signs of improvement.

That’s perhaps the only viable opportunity left in the context of the calendar. There’s a four-week break before the final six races, allowing a replacement time to settle in.