F1 News
Horner: Red Bull opted for 'young talent' over Bottas in decision for '25
Christian Horner has explained that Red Bull opted for younger, homegrown talent in their search for their second driver. There were still experienced options out there for Red Bull, like Valtteri Bottas, who left Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. Instead, the Finn will be Mercedes's third driver for 2025. Before returning to the old nest, Bottas admitted - to GPblog and others - that Red Bull Racing had been contacted by his management for a possible spot there. Bottas claimed that he was told "no".
Red Bull recently announced that they have signed VCARB driver Liam Lawson for the 2025 F1 season. The 22-year-old was picked over teammate Yuki Tsunoda after just 11 Grands Prix. Still, Horner and Red Bull have faith in the Kiwi.
Bottas left Sauber at the end of a pointless 2024 season. The Finn wasn't expecting a call from the Red Bull team boss, even after it became clear that Sergio Perez's position was faltering: "I have the feeling that some people at Red Bull don't really like me, for whatever reason. I don't know. I don't think it's an option, but that's my feeling," Bottas said at the time.
Red Bull would rather a young talent than Bottas:
TalkSport asked Horner if Bottas was ever an option for Red Bull Racing. "I think what we've really looked at, again, is utilising the junior team, investing in this young talent and seeing these young guys getting the chance," Horner said.
"So Liam (Lawson) being a product of that, as was Max (Verstappen) and even before him Sebastian Vettel. What's exciting for us are some of the youngsters in that program. Isack Hadjar who finished a close second in the F2 championship. A British lad, Arvid Lindblad, again another talent that's really worth keeping an eye on over the next 12 months." He concluded.
F2 vice champion Isack Hadjar was announced as a VCARB driver for 2025. The Frenchman will partner with Yuki Tsunoda next year. Red Bull's junior, Arvid Lindblad, is a promising talent who finished fourth in this year's F3 championship. The 17-year-old has made the step up with Campos for the 2025 season.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!