“Helmut Marko Hints at Yuki Tsunoda as Front-Runner to Join Max Verstappen in 2025”
Marko Confirms F1 Candidate to Potentially Replace Perez at Red Bull
Red Bull is evaluating its driver lineup for the 2025 season, with Helmut Marko confirming that one of the contenders to replace Sergio Perez is Yuki Tsunoda.
Although Perez was extended for two more seasons earlier this year, a rough patch in form has cast doubt on his future beyond 2024. While Perez will complete the current season, his position for 2025 is uncertain. Marko indicated that Tsunoda is being seriously considered as a potential teammate for Max Verstappen.
“Tsunoda is a candidate to race alongside Max in 2025,” Marko told F1 Insider.
For the remainder of this season, Liam Lawson will partner Tsunoda, with both drivers being evaluated as candidates for promotion to Red Bull’s senior team. Marko hinted that one of them could join Verstappen next year.
“The final races this season will determine our 2025 lineup,” Marko explained. “I can imagine a junior driver partnering Max. We are comparing Lawson and Tsunoda under identical conditions, with six races each to prove themselves.”
Red Bull Returning to Its Young Driver Strategy
Red Bull has not promoted a junior driver to its main team since Pierre Gasly replaced Daniel Ricciardo in 2019. Since then, the team has relied on experienced drivers like Alex Albon and Sergio Perez. However, Red Bull is now exploring a return to its philosophy of promoting young talent to F1.
Marko emphasized this shift: “We began with the idea of giving young drivers a chance—Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Daniel Ricciardo are just a few examples. Other teams are now adopting a similar approach.”
He noted that other teams are also focusing on young talent, citing examples like Mercedes backing Kimi Antonelli, Haas supporting Oliver Bearman, Williams promoting Franco Colapinto, and Audi showing renewed interest in Mick Schumacher.