Red Bull Considering Yuki Tsunoda as Potential Replacement for Sergio Perez
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has not ruled out Yuki Tsunoda as a potential replacement for under-pressure Sergio Perez in the Formula 1 driver lineup. Despite Perez’s recent contract extension, his disastrous run of form has sparked speculation that Red Bull could be considering alternatives. The Mexican driver has accumulated only 15 points in the last six rounds, leaving him 137 points behind teammate Max Verstappen, amid rumors that his deal includes performance clauses.
Potential Candidates to Replace Perez
Daniel Ricciardo, with his experience in the parent Red Bull setup, has been touted as the most obvious candidate to replace Perez. However, Ricciardo has struggled to produce consistent results at Red Bull. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has had a strong season in the sister car, residing 11 points ahead of Ricciardo. Although Red Bull has been hesitant about the prospect of Tsunoda joining Verstappen, Horner hinted that the Japanese driver could be in line to graduate to the senior Red Bull setup in the future.
“You can never rule anything out. We have options for multiple years on him because we believe he’s a talent.”
— Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal
Tsunoda’s Potential Promotion
Notably, Tsunoda has not been granted a test in a Red Bull car, unlike Ricciardo and Liam Lawson, who will drive the RB20 at Silverstone later this week. Horner explained that Tsunoda is already a Red Bull Racing driver on a Red Bull Racing contract, but left the door open for a potential test in the future.
Horner also credited Tsunoda’s improvement this season to observing Ricciardo up close and drawing upon his teammate’s experience.
“I think Yuki’s doing a good job. He got another point, he’s stringing weekends together, he’s doing a good job. I think he’s benefited from having Daniel alongside him.”
— Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal
As the Formula 1 standings continue to take shape, Red Bull’s driver lineup remains a topic of interest. With Perez under pressure, Tsunoda’s strong performances could see him emerge as a viable option for the senior team. As the Formula 1 calendar unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how this situation develops.
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