Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes that up to 16 drivers are vying for a chance to partner Max Verstappen in F1 in 2025, but the Briton insists his current teammate Sergio Perez remains on “pole” for the drive.
With the Mexican’s contract expiring at the end of the year, the coveted second seat at Red Bull Racing for next season has ignited a firestorm of speculation.
Red Bull's dominance in the sport's new ground effect era looks set to continue unchallenged, with Verstappen opening his 2024 campaign with commanding back-to-back victories in the first two races of the season.
While Perez finished the Bahrain Grand Prix a considerable distance behind his teammate, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko surprisingly praised his performance as a "significant accomplishment."
Despite their preference for continuity, Horner acknowledges the team's attractive appeal. Red Bull's current success, coupled with a car demonstrably superior to most on the grid, makes them a highly desirable destination for many drivers.
“We have a phenomenal car. We’ve got one seat open for next year. I’ve probably got 16 drivers that are desperate to be in that car for next year,” Horner commented.
“And Checo is in pole position. It’s his seat to lose.”
The turmoil that erupted at Red Bull last month following an investigation by parent company Red Bull GmbH into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Horner continues to unfold despite the Briton being cleared of any wrongdoing.
Battle lines have been drawn between Horner and the Helmut Marko/Verstappen family camp. As a result, the Dutchman has hinted that he could leave Red Bull before the end of his current contract which is set to run until 2028.
Such a prospect could leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit potentially two seats to fill for 2025.
Unexpectedly, Verstappen's departure is an eventuality that even Horner has acknowledged, though it's probably not the preferred scenario for the Red Bull team principal.
“No individual is bigger than the team,” Horner said in Jeddah last week.
“I think we have a strong relationship with Max. He’s doing a wonderful job. His focus is very much on what he’s doing on track and that’s where our focus is.”
Regardless of current tenions, Horner highlighted the importance of every individual member working together for the benefit of the team as a whole.
“I think that we all have a common interest, which is the performance of the team,” he added.
“The team is what comes first for every single member that has a role to play in the team, from the very top to the very bottom.
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“Without the team working in absolute harmony, it’s impossible to achieve performances like this. If an individual doesn’t want to be in the team, we don’t force people to be here.
“People are here and they work in this sport, in this team, because they want to be here, because they’re passionate about what they do.
“It’s that passion that enables us to deliver not average results, but exceptional results. It’s that passion and commitment by every member that is what is the DNA of Red Bull Racing.
“That will continue, not just this week, not next week, but we’ve done 20 years and it will continue for the next 20 years.”
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