Ranked: Who is Most Likely to Be Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Team-Mate in F1 2025?
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Explore the potential drivers who might be Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull in F1 2025, with options ranging from Valtteri Bottas to Liam Lawson and others.
With Red Bull making noises about potential changes for the F1 2025 season, there is growing speculation about who will partner Max Verstappen next year. As Sergio Perez's 2024 performance continues to underwhelm, Red Bull's leadership, including Christian Horner, may be looking to shake things up. With a wealth of potential candidates, here’s an analysis of the top contenders for the coveted Red Bull seat alongside Verstappen.
5. Valtteri Bottas
While Carlos Sainz was briefly a target for Red Bull, Christian Horner quickly shut down any speculation regarding the Spaniard's move to the team. As a result, Valtteri Bottas, who is a free agent for F1 2025 after Sauber chose not to retain him, emerges as a strong outside bet.
Bottas, a former Mercedes driver, is reportedly set to return to the Silver Arrows as a reserve driver. However, Red Bull could do worse than sign the experienced Finn. Though he may not be able to challenge Verstappen for race wins, Bottas is known for his consistency and reliability in supporting his teammates. He has shown a knack for securing solid results when paired with a competitive car, and Red Bull would benefit from his experience in a support role alongside Verstappen.
While Bottas may not be the most thrilling option, he brings stability and dependability, which would make him an ideal second driver for the team, particularly if Red Bull delivers a race-winning car in 2025.
4. Kevin Magnussen
Kevin Magnussen, another veteran of the F1 grid, could prove to be a valuable asset for Red Bull. With his contract status open for 2025, Magnussen is an experienced and reliable driver who could contribute to Red Bull's objectives.
Magnussen has often played the role of a "mobile chicane" for his team, ensuring rivals are delayed to secure points, which showcases his loyalty and team spirit. His performance at the US Grand Prix demonstrated that he still has plenty of pace when the car is competitive, and while he may not have the raw speed to challenge Verstappen consistently, his racecraft and experience could make him an excellent support driver.
Red Bull would appreciate Magnussen's hard-working mentality and his ability to assist Verstappen in race scenarios where holding up rivals may be necessary. His Viking spirit and determination could make him a highly attractive option if the team's primary focus is on securing a championship.
3. Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez remains a popular member of the Red Bull team and enjoys significant commercial backing. Despite his struggles in 2024, Perez’s existing two-year contract means he may still be at the wheel in F1 2025.
However, Perez's recent lack of form has cost Red Bull valuable points in the 2024 championship, and it’s clear that the relationship between Perez and Red Bull has never fully gelled. Despite his occasional strong performances, the Mexican driver has struggled to maintain consistency, which is crucial when competing for a championship alongside Max Verstappen.
While Perez's likability and work ethic are assets, his failure to deliver on a consistent basis leaves Red Bull with little reason to retain him in 2025. If Red Bull decides to move on from Perez, it may be an easier decision than initially thought.
2. Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto has made waves in Formula 1, impressing many with his ability to outperform highly-rated drivers like Alex Albon. His performances have garnered interest from several teams, with Red Bull being one of the frontrunners in pursuing the Argentine driver for a 2025 seat.
Colapinto has the potential to become a key figure in F1, and his strong showing in his debut races has drawn attention. However, it’s unclear how he would fare in a high-pressure environment like Red Bull, where expectations are much higher. Colapinto’s commercial appeal, including sponsorship deals, would also make him an attractive prospect for Red Bull, especially considering their interest in tapping into the South American market.
Despite his potential, Colapinto's lack of experience at the top level means there are doubts about whether he is ready to handle the expectations that come with being Verstappen’s teammate. While he has impressed so far, the question remains whether he can maintain such performances in a full season with Red Bull.
1. Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson is the frontrunner to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2025 season. As a member of the Red Bull family and a “free agent” for the team, Lawson is showing strong promise. The Kiwi driver has demonstrated the necessary self-belief and confidence to succeed, which are essential qualities when driving for a top-tier team like Red Bull.
While Lawson is still relatively inexperienced in F1, having completed only a handful of races, he has shown that he possesses the raw speed and racing talent required to perform at the highest level. His brief time in F1 has already made an impact, with Lawson managing to impress established drivers such as Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez. These performances have proven that Lawson is not afraid of the pressure that comes with racing at the front of the grid.
Red Bull seems to have learned from its past mistakes with drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, showing more patience with Perez. This approach could benefit Lawson, who has been mentally preparing for the challenge of racing alongside Verstappen for some time. If he continues to perform well in the final races of 2024, Lawson could very well be the driver to join Verstappen in 2025.
With three races left in 2024, Lawson’s performance against Yuki Tsunoda will likely play a decisive role in his bid for the Red Bull seat. If he can continue to impress, the seat alongside Verstappen may very well be his.
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