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Is lack of talent in Red Bull programme a problem for AlphaTauri?
At the end of 2024, as many as 14 drivers' contracts expire. But six drivers are tied up until after that season. A mega Silly Season lies in wait, but what is the current forecast? AlphaTauri opted for a lot of experience in 2024, mainly also due to a lack of talent in Red Bull's Junior Programme. What about for 2025?
When do Ricciardo and Tsunoda's contracts expire?
With the arrival of Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies, AlphaTauri plan to go in a new direction from 2024. Cooperation with Red Bull Racing must improve to maximise performance. With Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, there was also a surprisingly old line-up for the team in 2024, but both have expiring contracts.
It cannot be ruled out that AlphaTauri want to continue with the same duo in 2025 as well. This will allow them to move up the rankings and ensure continuity. Still, both drivers are looking to step up. Ricciardo wants to put himself into the picture at Red Bull Racing, and Tsunoda seems to have a good chance at Aston Martin, particularly for 2025.
Which drivers stand a chance of winning the F1 seat at AlphaTauri?
Whereas the Red Bull Junior Team consisted of many drivers in 2023, Helmut Marko has said goodbye to many talents for 2024. Few seemed destined for a seat in F1, and so many younger drivers have been recruited. In F2, Red Bull have Isack Hadjar and Pepe Marti in 2024. Hadjar was 14th in the last F2 championship as a rookie but was Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri's designated reserve driver when Liam Lawson dropped out.
Marti is a new name within the programme. The young Spaniard impressed Marko by winning three races in F3 with Campos Racing. Marti finished fifth in the F3 championship and must prove he is ready for the next step in F2 in 2024. Marti and Hadjar both race for Campos in F2, the team that finished ninth among constructors in 2023.
Currently, F1 in 2025 seems too early for those two names. Liam Lawson hopes he does qualify for a seat in F1 in 2025. The New Zealander impressed as Daniel Ricciardo's substitute in 2023, but did not get a seat for 2024. Lawson will top the list should either of the two drop out in 2025.
Ayumu Iwasa is also still part of the Red Bull programme. The Japanese driver, who finished fourth in his second F2 season, will return home in 2024. He will take over Liam Lawson's spot in Super Formula and will hope to make enough of an impression there.
Marko will also keep his eyes open for talents from other courses. It is clear that Red Bull does not seem to have the greatest talents at the moment, while other training programmes do. The advantage at Red Bull is that an immediate spot is available in F1. This could be the reason for guys like Oliver Bearman (Ferrari) and Victor Martins (Alpine) to make the switch like Oscar Piastri did from Alpine to McLaren.