As Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull hangs in the balance, speculation is intensifying about who might take his seat in 2025. While the 34-year-old Mexican driver remains under contract until the end of next year, a season of inconsistent performances compared to teammate Max Verstappen has fueled rumors of an impending shake-up at the Milton Keynes-based team.
Betting platform Gambling.com has ranked potential candidates to replace Perez, with a mix of Red Bull junior program standouts and seasoned veterans vying for the coveted seat alongside Verstappen.
“Liam Lawson: The Leading Contender” (Odds: 4/6)
New Zealander Liam Lawson has emerged as the front-runner. The 22-year-old impressed during his brief stint as a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo at the United States Grand Prix, consistently matching AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda in both qualifying and races.
Red Bull has a history of promoting young talent from its junior ranks, and Lawson’s rapid adaptation to Formula 1 makes him a natural candidate for the seat. With Verstappen as a dominant force, Lawson’s steady hands and promise could provide the team with a balanced dynamic.
“Yuki Tsunoda: The Underdog” (Odds: 3/1)
While Yuki Tsunoda remains a contender, his path to a Red Bull seat is less certain. Despite steady improvement in his career, Tsunoda has yet to secure a promotion even during Perez’s struggles. Tsunoda’s ties to Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier, add weight to his case, but past incidents and inconsistent performances might hinder his chances.
For Tsunoda, 2025 could represent a make-or-break opportunity to step into a championship-contending team.
“Isack Hadjar: The Rising Star” (Odds: 6/1)
French-Algerian Isack Hadjar, fresh off a second-place finish in the 2024 Formula 2 championship, is a long-shot contender with immense potential. While his promotion directly to Red Bull would be a significant leap, the team has a precedent for betting on young drivers, as seen with Verstappen’s early debut. If Red Bull opts for youth and raw talent, Hadjar could be their next big gamble.
“Valtteri Bottas: The Experienced Option” (Odds: 8/1)
Former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas could bring experience and reliability to Red Bull. Known for his ability to support a dominant teammate during his tenure with Lewis Hamilton, Bottas would provide stability alongside Verstappen. With no confirmed seat for 2025, Bottas represents a safe, albeit unconventional, option for the team.
“Daniel Ricciardo: The Fan Favorite” (Odds: 10/1)
Though his return to Red Bull in 2024 was cut short due to struggles with form, Daniel Ricciardo remains a popular figure within the team. While a full-time return in 2025 seems unlikely, Ricciardo’s charisma and deep ties to Red Bull could keep him in the running as an outside choice.
“Franco Colapinto: The Wildcard” (Odds: 12/1)
Argentine driver Franco Colapinto has turned heads with his aggressive and fearless racing style in Formula 2 and his outings with Williams. Without a confirmed race seat for 2025, Colapinto presents a left-field option for Red Bull, should the team seek a fresh and dynamic addition to their lineup.
“Red Bull’s Decision: Balancing Youth and Stability”
Red Bull faces a familiar dilemma: nurture a promising talent from their junior program or secure a proven, reliable partner for Verstappen. With Verstappen’s dominance likely to continue, the choice of a second driver becomes critical in maximizing team performance and securing Constructors’ Championship points.
While Liam Lawson appears to be the logical choice given his current trajectory, the team could opt for experience with Bottas or gamble on youthful exuberance with Hadjar or Colapinto. Regardless of their decision, Red Bull’s 2025 driver lineup will have far-reaching implications for the sport’s competitive landscape.
