Former F1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has made a bold case for replacing Sergio Perez with Franco Colapinto at Red Bull, suggesting the Argentinian star would be a better choice than Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson. Amid Perez’s lackluster 2024 season and ongoing rumors of his potential departure, Herbert pointed to Colapinto’s promising debut with Williams and strong South American backing as key factors that could boost Red Bull both on and off the track.
“Sergio Perez’s struggles this year have stirred chatter about finding a replacement,” Herbert remarked. “While Perez brings Mexican sponsorship and a substantial fanbase, Colapinto’s arrival could attract a similar following from Argentina. In the paddock, the sentiment leans toward giving Colapinto the opportunity.”
The 21-year-old Colapinto, who has impressed in recent F1 outings with Williams, has caught the eye of Red Bull’s leadership. Rumors suggest Red Bull is exploring a potential buyout of his contract with Williams, though the Grove-based team reportedly demands a hefty compensation to release the young talent. Herbert believes that, beyond Colapinto’s skill, his presence could help Formula 1 tap into a vast, underserved South American fanbase, with the potential for F1 to even return to Argentina.
“South America is a huge market, and having a talented Argentine driver like Colapinto could open the door to racing in Argentina again,” Herbert added. “We haven’t seen F1 there since the 1990s, and his presence could be the key to rekindling that connection.”
Red Bull’s patience with Perez has thinned as his struggles have reportedly cost them momentum in the constructors’ standings. With only three races remaining this season, the 34-year-old Mexican driver faces an uphill battle to prove he’s worthy of staying. Should he fail to deliver, Colapinto’s combination of skill, youth, and commercial potential may very well see him in Red Bull’s second seat for 2025.
