Christian Horner insists Red Bull won’t be rushed into finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025, with Sergio Perez out of contract at the end of the season

Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists the team won’t be rushed into finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025 as the silly season of the Formula One drivers market rumbles on.

There has been strong speculation over the future of Sergio Perez, whose contract with the Austrian outfit expires at the end of the season, with Carlos Sainz one of many names being linked with the team.

That move seems unlikely according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who told reporters on Thursday that Audi, who will join the sport in 2026, have made a ‘very lucrative offer’ for the in-demand Spaniard. Sainz is being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season.

Horner, though, wouldn’t be dragged into the rumour mill.

‘It’s incredible that we’re at race five and there’s so much talk already about drivers for next year,’ said Horner.

Christian Horner insists Red Bull won’t rush to finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025
+3

Christian Horner insists Red Bull won’t rush to finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025

Sergio Perez's contract with the Austrian outfit expires at the end of the season, but could stay
+3

Sergio Perez’s contract with the Austrian outfit expires at the end of the season, but could stay

‘We’re in a situation where we are very happy with our two drivers but we don’t need to make a final decision about our lineup until much later in the year.’

In response to being asked about Audi’s reported bumper offer to Sainz, Horner said: ‘It’s pure speculation.

‘We have no idea if and what Audi have offered Carlos, who’s a key driver on the open market. It’s only natural there is significant interest.

‘I’m sure Audi would be foolish not to consider a driver of his quality amongst others who have seats available.’

There is, of course, the distinct possibility that Perez’s performances this season prove to be too strong for Horner and Red Bull to ignore.

The Mexican endured a difficult 2023 season but has started this year in fine form, locking out the front row alongside Verstappen in three of the first four races of 2024.

While Perez has made it clear he would like to have his future mapped out sooner rather than later, Horner remains in no mood to rush to any decision.

‘Of course he would like to make an announcement tomorrow undoubtedly,’ said the Red Bull boss. ‘We as a team aren’t in a particular rush. We’re in a fortunate position where many drivers would like to drive for the team.

Audi, who will join in 2026, have reportedly made a ‘very lucrative offer’ for Carlos Sainz
+3

Audi, who will join in 2026, have reportedly made a ‘very lucrative offer’ for Carlos Sainz

‘We’re happy with the pairing we have, we just want to make sure the little bit of consistency Checo has started this season maintains and in due course we’ll evaluate those options.

‘But at this point in time we’re very happy with the lineup we have so there is no imminent rush to announce the full driver lineup for 2025.’

Related Posts

Prince Harry’s secret visa files released – but key question remains over drug use

The conservative Heritage Foundation had campaigned to have Prince Harry’s Visa application released after he admitted to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms A US judge has…

Zara McDermott shakes off Sam Thompson dig as she ‘moves fast’ with Louis Tomlinson

Zara McDermott was recently spotted on a date with Louis Tomlinson as pals have claimed the pair are ‘moving fast’ but are ‘happy’ for them – while…

Paddy McGuinness puts lavish £6.5m home on the market as Christine ‘desperate’ to move on

Christine McGuinness is said to be feeling ‘desperate’ to start a fresh as her estranged husband Paddy McGuinness has put their former marital home up for sale…

Victoria Beckham confirms part in Jennifer Aniston’s ex Justin Theroux’s wedding

Victoria Beckham confirmed she had a huge role in Jennifer Aniston’s ex-husband Justin Theroux’s wedding to Nicole Brydon Bloom Victoria Beckham confirms part in Jennifer Aniston’s ex…

Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches joins Emmerdale in mysterious new role

Celebrity Big Brother star and Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches has joined the cast of Emmerdale in a mysterious new role, with the scenes set to debut in…

Coleen Nolan interrupts Loose Women co-star to take swipe at ex-husband

Loose Women took an awkward turn on Tuesday when Coleen Nolan made a savage Alfie Moon comment Loose Women: Coleen asks Charlene about her first child’s name…