Red Bull Racing's commitment to securing top-tier drivers for its Formula 1 team has sparked fresh concerns about Sergio Perez's future with the team. Following a series of underwhelming performances, the Mexican driver could be facing a serious challenge to his position, with reports suggesting Red Bull is preparing an enormous offer to sign a rising star.
Perez's struggles continue
Sergio Perez has been under increasing pressure since the start of the 2023 season. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Mexican driver has failed to consistently meet expectations, particularly when compared to his teammate, Max Verstappen.
Last weekend in Mexico City, Perez's performance hit a new low when he suffered an unexpected early exit from Q1 in qualifying, followed by a dismal 17th-place finish in the race, dead last among the drivers who completed the race.
These recent struggles have raised further questions about his future with the team. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hinted after the Mexican Grand Prix that a tough decision may be on the horizon if Perez's form does not improve. With 2025 fast approaching, rumours surrounding potential replacements for Perez are growing louder.
Franco Colapinto on Red Bull's radar
In a significant development, rumours have emerged that Red Bull is preparing a massive offer to sign Williams' promising driver, Franco Colapinto. The young Argentine has impressed since stepping in for Logan Sargeant ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, and Red Bull appears eager to secure him for the 2025 season.
According to reports from Sky Italia, the Milton Keynes-based team is reportedly making a substantial bid to acquire Colapinto’s services, with an offer rumoured to be in the region of $20 million. Dutch broadcaster Jack Plooij added fuel to the fire during his 'Race Cafe' program, revealing that Red Bull's motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, is growing increasingly frustrated with Perez’s lacklustre performances.
Helmut Marko’s determination
Plooij shared more details on the situation, claiming that Marko is ready to offer Williams a significant financial package to buy out Colapinto’s contract. "I understand that he is just going to throw him in at the deep end. He will simply sit next to Max [Verstappen]," Plooij said, suggesting that Colapinto could be placed directly into a Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen, a move that would be a bold shift for a driver with no prior Formula 1 race experience.
Marko's frustration appears to have reached a tipping point, with Plooij reporting that he told Williams team principal James Vowles, "I'll throw twenty million in, I want him now. Done."
This aggressive push to sign Colapinto signals that Red Bull may be ready to make a drastic change for the 2025 season if Perez’s performance doesn't improve significantly.
A dramatic shift in Red Bull’s driver strategy?
If Red Bull follows through with this move, it would mark a dramatic turn of events. Just a few months ago, Colapinto was not even competing in F1, let alone being considered for a seat at one of the most competitive teams in motorsport. The young driver’s rise has been swift, and Red Bull is keen to capitalize on his potential.
As the 2025 season approaches, the pressure on Sergio Perez to perform at a high level will only intensify. Red Bull’s willingness to make such a bold offer for Colapinto suggests that the team is ready to make changes if Perez does not turn his fortunes around soon.
