Horner wants the best drivers at Red Bull Racing: '2025 is a long way off'

Perez under pressure

To say the pressure on Perez is mounting is an understatement. At the start of the Formula 1 season, the Mexican was still bragging that he wanted to challenge Max Verstappen for the world title; less than six months later, he has to fear for his seat at Red Bull Racing. At least, that is the expectation of many, but he is being defended by the team for now.

''The plan for Checo to lead in 2024 has always been the plan. He signed his contract for two years, so that's how we plan. We work with him and help him regain his self-confidence. Checo is a good rider and his Saturdays are a problem,'' said the Austrian racing stable's team boss.

Perez has already failed to advance to Q3 on five race weekends, while his teammate was able to start from pole in all those races. As a result, Verstappen is way out of contention for the world title and so the pressure on Perez is increasing. Daniel Ricciardo has additionally joined AlphaTauri with one clear goal: to return to Red Bull Racing.

Opportunity for Ricciardo

After the sudden dismissal of Nyck de Vries, it is therefore not a crazy thought that Perez could just lose his seat, but Horner wants to know nothing of that. The Mexican has a contract and Red Bull intends to stick to it. For 2025, though, the door is open for another driver.

''As for 2025: the seat belongs to Checo, but 2025 is still far away. We want to put the two best available drivers in our cars.'' Whether Ricciardo is the best driver will depend mainly on his performance at AlphaTauri. If Yuki Tsunoda wins the duel there, the Japanese might be an option as Verstappen's teammate.