Red Bull debunks rumours of two fan favourites rumoured to take seat

As soon as rumours surfaced about Liam Lawson’s potential replacement, Argentine media quickly speculated that Franco Colapinto was in talks with Red Bull Racing to become Max Verstappen’s teammate. However, GPblog had already debunked this claim, and Tsunoda’s promotion further confirmed it. Now, Helmut Marko himself has stated that Colapinto was never considered for the seat. Former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo was also never in the running, despite some eager fans hoping for his return.

"Colapinto was not an option," Marko stated in conversation with the German website Formel1.de. Signing the Argentinian, who is currently under contract with Alpine, was never a serious option last season either. However, according to Red Bull’s external consultant, Colapinto’s situation was briefly discussed internally at the time. "But in the end, he was not an option."

"We have with Hadjar someone who was faster in Formula 2, more consistent than Colapinto. So it proved itself that this was the right decision," the Austrian said.

Daniel Ricciardo, the eight-time race winner who was dropped by Racing Bulls after 2024's Singapore Grand Prix, was also never considered as a replacement for Lawson. Since leaving the sport, the Australian has been focused on other ventures. "No, there has been no such consideration. Daniel drove his last race and has since turned away from Formula 1 completely."

Ricciardo did make an appearance in the F1 paddock in Australia a couple of weeks ago, but his visit was brief. The former Red Bull, McLaren, and Renault driver exited the paddock swiftly but seemed in good spirits during his short appearance.