Red Bull team boss Christian Horner asserts there is “a lot of interest” in the vacant Red Bull Formula 1 drive at the squad in 2025.
Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull expires at the end of the 2024 campaign and speculation is already mounting regarding his future with the team.
Perez endured a difficult stretch of races in the opening half of the 2023 season and coupled with Daniel Ricciardo’s recent return to the grid with AlphaTauri amid his hope of a Red Bull return, it appears that there is pressure on Perez’s shoulders to retain his drive.
But Perez and Ricciardo are not the only options available to Red Bull for 2025, according to Horner.
“It’s just the position that we’re in it’s great to have a lot of interest,” he said, speaking to Sky Sports News.
“And it’s not just from those drivers [Perez and Ricciardo] – it’s from drivers outside our spectrum as well regarding 2025.”
It should come as little surprise that there is extensive interest in the seat, given Red Bull’s position in the F1 pack.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit has won all 12 races staged so far in 2023, with Max Verstappen taking 10 wins – including at the last eight races.
Verstappen has a contract in place until the end of 2028 as he bids to become one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.
Although Dutchman has largely out-performed Perez during their stint together, Horner says that Perez remains a valuable part of the team.
“Checo is hugely popular in the team. Let’s not forget what he did in 2021,” he said. “His contribution to our Constructors’ Championship last year.
“He is second in the world championship this year. He’s the only other driver to have won a race this year, in the two grands prix that he’s won.
“Obviously, our absolute primary objective is to get Checo firing on all cylinders on a Saturday [during qualifying, where Perez has struggled], which I’m sure he is going to do.
“So nobody is writing off Checo.”
