Mark Hughes elaborates on one of the open questions for the next season. Who will be Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing? In the event that Sergio Pérez leaves, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto are the names that are doing the rounds the most. What if it doesn’t turn out to be any of them? The analyst also sees another option.
Bee Motorsportmagazine the Brit explains how this saga could end. “Tsunoda will be allowed to test for Red Bull after the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, but he is not considered a serious contender for promotion to the main team,” Hughes said.
Pérez can still save his seat
“It is not even certain that Pérez’s seat will be vacant,” Hughes does not rule out that everything will remain as it is now at Red Bull. Letting Perez go wouldn’t be that easy or cheap, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. He is having a terrible season, even though things got better from Baku. If he can combine his improved speed with better pit stops, he can still save his seat.’
The question then is: what if he doesn’t? ‘Lawson is the obvious contender for that seat, after he did an excellent job replacing Ricciardo at RB. He is generally faster than Tsunoda and dares to race aggressively even against an Alonso. He can make a great argument for himself, as Red Bull is not looking for a driver as good as Verstappen, but for someone who can support him in the hunt for a constructors’ title.’
Horner’s visit to Vowles
Lawson could get Pérez’s seat and Formula 2 driver Hadjar could then be promoted to RB. Only there is the fact of Horner’s visit to Vowles. ‘Marko’s statements also fueled speculation that Red Bull wants to acquire Colapinto from Williams. If Red Bull is interested, is it for a seat at RB or at Red Bull?’
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A switch from Sainz to Red Bull would not make much sense now.
Hughes doesn’t want to close his eyes to other options. ‘The best possible seat for Carlos Sainz, after he was replaced at Ferrari by Hamilton, was always Red Bull. There doesn’t seem to be much interest in bringing in Sainz. It is possible that the friction between Sainz and Verstappen, which existed when they were rookies at Toro Rosso, could resurface. Why would Horner want to buy out Sainz’s contract if he didn’t sign it when he was free?’
Albon’s return to Red Bull is also possible
The analyst does the sum and releases another idea into the world. ‘What if the conversation wasn’t about Sainz or Colapinto, but about Alex Albon? What if Horner’s pitch to Vowles was: ‘You have the guarantee of Sainz and a promising rookie in Colapinto, why don’t you let Alex come to us?’ Albon is still highly rated at Red Bull, even though the team let him go at the end of 2020,” says Hughes.
Just because Albon wasn’t fit to be part of Red Bull then doesn’t mean he can’t be now. ‘He was not experienced enough to drive a challenging car alongside Verstappen, but Red Bull is still convinced of his potential. Could the man Pérez replaced also be the man Pérez replaces? This story could take a new twist.’
Max Verstappen’s New Teammate: The Plot Thickens!
Mark Hughes has injected a bit of drama into next season’s Formula 1 narrative with a question that has gasps—and maybe a few giggles—reverberating through the paddock: who on earth will sit alongside the indomitable Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing? Seriously, it’s like trying to figure out who’ll get the last curly fry at a party—everyone wants in, but only one can come out on top! Everyone’s got their eyes on the likes of Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and Franco Colapinto, but Mark’s keeping us glued to our seats with a wildcard. And you know how thrilling wildcards can be—just look at your last family game of Monopoly!
The Pérez Predicament
Is Pérez on the chopping block? Well, Hughes seems to suggest it’s not etched in stone just yet. “It’s not even certain that Pérez’s seat will be vacant,” he proclaims, which is reassuring but still gives you the same vibe as when your doctor says, “Well, it could be worse!” While letting Sergio go wouldn’t be a walk in the park—let’s just say it’d be more like rush-hour on a Monday morning at your local tube station—it does beg the question: can Pérez turn this disaster of a season into an inspiring comeback? It’s like trying to bake a soufflé after a week of microwave meals. One wrong move, and *poof*, it’s all over!
Lawson: The Underdog We Didn’t See Coming
Now, if Pérez doesn’t deliver the goods, enter stage left: Liam Lawson. This guy isn’t just walking into the room; he’s barging in with fireworks and a marching band! After stepping in for Ricciardo, Lawson has showcased some serious speed—he’s quicker than a kid on a sugar high after Halloween! And hey, Red Bull isn’t looking for a sidekick to match Verstappen’s prowess. No, they want someone who can play second fiddle while still making things interesting, like a director who lets a quirky character steal the show in a sitcom.
Horner’s Coffee Date: Speculations Galore
Speaking of characters, let’s chat about Christian Horner’s recent rendezvous with James Vowles. Is that a flirtation with Colapinto, or are we just imagining things? Hughes throws in a cheeky twist: “Is Red Bull interested in acquiring Colapinto from Williams for a seat at RB or a spot in the Red Bull?” It’s like trying to unearth what’s behind a magician’s curtain—are you hoping for a rabbit or just more smoke and mirrors?
The Carlos Sainz Conundrum
And then there’s Carlos Sainz—whose potential move back to Red Bull has all the tension of a cliffhanger in a soap opera. Hughes suggests that with Hamilton stepping into his Ferrari shoes, Sainz could find himself looking for a new lane. But the friction between him and Verstappen could spark more than just a friendly rivalry—it’s like pouring petrol on a fire! Why would Horner want to bring in Sainz now when he didn’t even sign him when he was free as a bird? Makes you wonder if that’s a missed connection or just bad timing.
Albon: The Ghost of Red Bull Past
But wait! Hold onto your hats, folks, because Hughes throws yet another name into the ring: Alex Albon. Picture this: Horner’s pitch to Vowles could be less “I want Sainz” and more “Let’s get Albon back in the game!” It’s a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster! There’s a glimmer of potential here; just because Red Bull didn’t think Albon was ready then doesn’t mean he’s not ripe for the picking now. Could we see a scenario where the man who replaced Pérez turns out to be… well, the same man who Pérez replaced? It’s all a bit like that old saying: what goes around comes around, and sometimes you need to come back and reclaim your piece of the pie—or maybe just a slice of Aston Martin’s pit lane gossip.
Conclusion: Buckle Up for the Rollercoaster!
There you have it! The Red Bull seat saga is shaping up to be one wild ride this off-season. Will Pérez hold onto his job, or will someone else take the wheel? Whether it’s Lawson’s underdog tale, Sainz’s comeback to the fold, or Albon making a return, one thing’s for sure: it’s bound to be a hilariously unpredictable whirlwind. So grab your popcorn and get ready for the plot twists; because if F1 has taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen—especially when Max Verstappen’s in the mix!
This article combines a sharp, observational, and cheeky tone reminiscent of the comedy styles of Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais, Rowan Atkinson, and Lee Evans, while still offering detailed insights into the complex landscape of F1 driver politics.
Mark Hughes delves into a key question looming over the upcoming season: Who will take the second seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing? Should Sergio Pérez depart from the team, the drivers generating the most buzz are Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, and Franco Colapinto. However, what if the chosen successor isn’t any of these familiar names? Hughes suggests that there could be alternative options that have yet to emerge.
Bee Motorsportmagazine reports that Hughes discusses how this intriguing situation may unfold. “Tsunoda will be given the opportunity to test for Red Bull following the season finale in Abu Dhabi; however, he is not viewed as a strong candidate for elevation to the primary team,” Hughes observed, highlighting the competitive dynamics at play.
Pérez can still save his seat
“It is not certain that Pérez’s seat will be vacant,” Hughes remarked, suggesting that a status quo might persist at Red Bull. Dismissing Pérez would not be straightforward or inexpensive, yet it remains a possibility. His performance this season has been lackluster, although he has shown improvement since the race in Baku. Should he manage to pair his enhanced pace with more efficient pit stops, there remains a chance for him to retain his spot on the team.
The pressing question then arises: what if he falters? “Lawson has emerged as a strong candidate for the vacant seat after demonstrating remarkable performance in the absence of Ricciardo at RB. His pace generally outstrips that of Tsunoda, and he isn’t afraid to race aggressively, even against established competitors like Alonso. Lawson presents a compelling case for himself, as Red Bull is not merely in search of a driver with matching skill to Verstappen but rather one who can effectively support him in the constructors’ championship chase,” noted Hughes, shedding light on the team’s strategic needs.
Horner’s visit to Vowles
Lawson’s advancement to Pérez’s position could lead to the promotion of Formula 2 driver Hadjar to RB. Yet, the context of Horner’s meeting with Vowles complicates matters. “Marko’s recent comments have intensified speculation regarding Red Bull’s interest in acquiring Colapinto from Williams. If Red Bull indeed pursues him, is it for a seat in the main lineup or one within their junior program?” Hughes pondered, illustrating the potential implications of such a strategic move.
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Hughes is also careful not to disregard any potential alternatives. “The best opportunity for Carlos Sainz, following his replacement at Ferrari by Hamilton, has historically been Red Bull. However, there doesn’t seem to be significant interest in bringing him back into the fold. It’s possible that unresolved tensions between Sainz and Verstappen, which emerged during their rookie days at Toro Rosso, could resurface. Why would Horner seek to terminate Sainz’s contract now when he opted not to when Sainz was previously available?” he questioned, further examining the intricacies of team dynamics.
Albon’s return to Red Bull is also possible
Hughes introduces another thought-provoking idea. “What if the discussions weren’t centered around Sainz or Colapinto, but rather about bringing Alex Albon back into the fold? What if Horner’s argument to Vowles was: ‘You have the prospect of Sainz and a talented rookie in Colapinto; why not allow Alex to return to us?’ Despite having released Albon at the close of 2020, he continues to enjoy a positive reputation within Red Bull,” Hughes articulated, emphasizing Albon’s enduring potential.
The fact that Albon was previously deemed unfit for a role at Red Bull does not negate his current capabilities. “He may have lacked the experience necessary to pilot a challenging car alongside Verstappen, but Red Bull remains confident in his skills. Could it be that the driver who previously replaced Pérez is now positioned to succeed him? This narrative could take an unexpected and intriguing turn,” Hughes concluded, specifying the tantalizing possibilities ahead.
How does Alex Albon’s possible return to Red Bull compare to the drama surrounding Sainz and Verstappen?
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On top of all this, the potential return of Carlos Sainz to Red Bull could add yet another layer to this intricate puzzle. With reports suggesting that Sainz might be looking for a new opportunity following Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, the question arises: can Sainz and Verstappen coexist without igniting a rivalry that resembles a classic soap opera? Hughes points out the irony of Sainz being pursued now, despite not being offered a seat back when he was available, leaving fans questioning whether Horner’s interest is genuine or just a fleeting whim. This scenario tantalizingly raises the stakes for Sainz, offering him a chance to prove himself once more on a grand stage.
The Ghost of Albon: Return or Rumble?
But let’s not forget Alex Albon, formerly of Red Bull, who could also be a consideration. Hughes suggests that Horner’s discussions might be looking to bring Albon back into the fold instead of pursuing Sainz. And why not? Just because Albon was deemed unprepared before doesn’t mean he hasn’t grown and matured since then. This subplot could evolve from a simple reunion into a fascinating redemption arc, showing that in the world of Formula 1, as in life, you can always come back and seize those fragmented pieces of your career—just like someone diving back into a buffet after skipping dessert!
The Grand Finale: Who’s Taking the Seat?
So buckle up, because the tension surrounding the second seat at Red Bull is reaching boiling point. Whether Sergio Pérez manages to hang on for dear life or finds himself ousted in favor of the turbo-charged underdog Lawson, the legendary comeback kid Sainz, or even the returning prodigal son Albon, this off-season promises drama, surprises, and perhaps a twist that no one saw coming—except maybe the most astute F1 armchair analysts among us! So grab your snacks and tune in, because whatever happens, you can expect a wild ride ahead, complete with thrills and maybe a few accidental spills.