Will Buxton delivers worrying verdict on 255-race driver’s future after Dutch GP comments

Follow us on Google Discover

The 2025 Formula 1 grid has almost been completed with just three seats left to fill after Alpine announced that Jack Doohan will be Pierre Gasly’s teammate next season.

The Australian will be the second rookie on the grid – after Oliver Bearman’s Haas move was confirmed – next year but he may not be the final new face in the paddock next year.

Two more rookies could join the grid in 2025 and that puts a few F1 veterans in an awkward position.

Logan Sargeant’s immediate future is currently under threat after a huge crash in free practice on Saturday prevented him from taking part in qualifying.

Williams are in trouble and team principal James Vowles understands how important it is for the team to score points to earn more money in the Constructors’ Championship.

However, speaking on DRS: De Race Show, journalist and broadcaster Will Buxton was left questioning the future of another driver.

There’s a good chance that the last seats to be settled for 2025 are within the Red Bull group.

Sergio Perez has failed to impress since the beginning of the season but Daniel Ricciardo is currently the only driver in the Red Bull quartet without a contract for next year.

Buxton believes that Ricciardo’s time in F1 is coming to an end when the 2024 season concludes in Abu Dhabi.

That doesn’t mean he thinks Perez is safe as well, with Red Bull having a couple of brilliant youngsters they can call upon if they need to.

READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Will Buxton thinks Daniel Ricciardo’s time in F1 is coming to an end

Talking about the situation at Red Bull, Buxton said: “Come on, Helmut Marko this weekend says that Liam Lawson’s going to be in one of the seats next year.

“So, Lawson’s either in for Daniel or he’s in Checo and if he’s in for Checo and you’ve got a seat at RB, then I think that goes to Hadjar, who I think has had an outstanding season in Formula 2.

“So, Daniel’s done, he’s toast. So, he’s got to have fun with it and he’s got to enjoy it and then all that does exist for you is your personality.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Visa Cash App RB F1 Team from team principal to Red Bull relationship

Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar hoping to benefit from Red Bull issues

The Red Bull situation is a precarious one with Ricciardo and Perez’s futures changing every week due to their performance at each Grand Prix.

For example, Ricciardo’s Q1 exit at his 255^th race at the Dutch Grand Prix was particularly disappointing while Perez finally managed to put in a credible display in Q3.

However, it’s all about scoring points and both Red Bull and RB will overlook how their drivers perform on a Friday and Saturday if they can deliver a top-ten finish or better.

Helmut Marko has confirmed Lawson will be in a Red Bull next year but failed to suggest which team he’ll slot into.

It looks unlikely that Hadjar will be in F1 in 2025 at this stage which could mean Perez will be offered a reprieve.

But the beauty of Red Bull setup for Marko and Christian Horner is they have the resources available to make changes if they’re required at any possible moment.