Christian Horner claims several drivers ‘outside of the Red Bull spectrum’ are interested in becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2025

Christian Horner believed that Max Verstappen's dominance with Red Bull generated more interest from drivers.

Christian Horner claims several drivers ‘outside of the Red Bull spectrum’ are interested in becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2025

Christian Horner (image via PlanetF1), Max Verstappen (image via News24)

Max Verstappen has had multiple teammates during his time at Red Bull Racing. The Milton Keynes-based team struggled to find the perfect driver to partner with the Dutchman after the exit of Daniel Ricciardo at the end of 2018. Sergio Perez was signed by the Austrian team in 2021, but the Mexican driver has failed to live up to expectations this year. Now, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner revealed that many drivers are interested to replace Checo.

Sergio Perez runs out of his contract with Red Bull at the end of 2024. This allows for the perfect opportunity for drivers to take the second seat at Milton Keynes alongside Verstappen. Moreover, the Austrian team’s dominance in the F1’s ground-effect era has further generated more interest from drivers. Horner told Sky Sports, “It’s just the position that we’re in. It’s great to have a lot of interest.”

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Christian Horner claimed that drivers outside of the Red Bull family have been in contact with Milton Keynes to partner Max Verstappen in 2025. Certainly, this shows the great position of the Austrian team when it comes to driver negotiations. The Red Bull Team Principal stated, “It’s from drivers outside our spectrum as well, regarding 2025.”

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Sergio Perez is under pressure at Red Bull seat

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after Qualifying at the Belgian GP (Credits: @FastestPitStop/Twitter)
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after Qualifying at the Belgian GP (Credits: @FastestPitStop/Twitter)

Perez has failed to make a mark in 2023 as the Mexican driver has stayed in the shadow of his world-champion teammate. Checo has won two races this season compared to Max Verstappen’s ten victories. With the 33-year-old trailing his teammate by 125 points. Rumors had emerged that this could lead to pay cuts for Sergio Perez as per his contract. Although, Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko dismissed such claims.

Moreover, Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri signed Daniel Ricciardo to replace Nyck de Vries just ten races into 2023. This is seen as an indication that Christian Horner’s team will be ready to find a new teammate for Verstappen if Perez does not improve. Though, it seems that Ricciardo is not the only driver who is interested in replacing Checo in 2025.

Christian Horner admitted that Red Bull had been contacted by drivers outside its rooster to replace Sergio Perez. The 49-year-old believed the team’s incredible performance this season further generated more interest. Although, it remains to be seen if Perez can secure his place alongside Max Verstappen or if the two-time world champion gets a new teammate soon.

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