Marko hints situation at Red Bull "will be announced in the coming days"
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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted that there will be some news on the driver lineup for the 2025 season "in the coming days", but debunks the rumours surrounding Sergio Perez, calling them "complete nonsense."
Marko hints about news on the 2025 lineup
After the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the main talking point regarding Red Bull Racing was who will be alongside Max Verstappen next season. In the paddock, for the first time in 2024, Perez did not defend himself as stoutly as he had previously, knowing the team was deciding his fate. A positive start to the 2024 season saw him get a contract extension at the Austrian team for two more years. However, dreadful results since then have plunged is F1 future into question.
However, Marko informs that some news on Red Bull's 2025 lineup may come very soon: "We will announce news in the coming days about what the driver duo will look like next year. There is a lot of speculation, including about possible buyouts, but that is complete nonsense," Marko writes in his column for Speedweek.
There may be a clear denial of any buying out of contracts that have been rumoured that would see the Mexican then leave Red Bull, but it is still heavily rumoured that Perez will no longer be a part of the Austrian team. According to the latest rumours, Liam Lawson is the biggest contender to take over the seat. This previously caused irritation with Yuki Tsunoda, who does not understand what else he needs to do to prove to Red Bull that he is ready.
After the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Tsunoda finally got a chance to drive the RB20 during the post-season test around the Yas Marina Circuit, and Marko says he is satisfied with what he saw from the Japanese driver.
Marko positive about Tsunoda
"Yuki was allowed onto the track with the RB20 during the post-season test and the team was happy with his technical feedback. In this respect, he is much better than what is said about him," the 81-year-old Austrian says of the VCARB man's performance in Abu Dhabi. However, he also points to the other talents Red Bull has in its ranks.
"He is one of our many talents. We are also in a good position in the junior classes. With Nikola Tsolov, for example, we have a title contender in Formula 3 and we also have a strong presence in the new Eurocup. In addition, we are sending promising talent onto the track in English Formula 4 with the Hitech GP Team," Marko said.
There is still a decision to make at Red Bull's sister team, as a seat still sits open. Tsunoda has the first of two seats at the moment after signing a new contract, but the decision surrounding the future of Perez is the piece in the puzzle which will then provide clarity over VCARB's lineup for next season.
This article was created in collaboration with Nicole Mulder
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