In a jaw-dropping move that’s sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has reportedly offered Argentine rising star Franco Colapinto a $1 million contract to join the team and race alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen in the 2026 season.

The decision—if finalized—would signal a dramatic shift in Red Bull’s long-term strategy, shaking up the driver market and casting uncertainty over the future of current second driver Sergio Pérez.

A Surprise Contender for the Second Seat

Franco Colapinto, just 21 years old, is currently making headlines in Formula 2 with MP Motorsport and has caught the eye of several F1 teams due to his raw pace, technical maturity, and fearless overtaking ability. The young driver from Buenos Aires has earned multiple podiums this season and is currently in the title hunt.

While Colapinto has long been on the radar of development programs, few expected such a direct and lucrative offer from a top-tier F1 team like Red Bull, especially this early in the F1 driver market shuffle.

According to credible paddock sources, Horner personally approached Colapinto’s management team following the F2 feature race in Monaco and offered a one-year deal worth $1 million, with performance-based extensions.

Why Colapinto? Why Now?

Horner’s move comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the inconsistency of Sergio Pérez, who has failed to match Verstappen’s performance for a second straight season. With Red Bull already dominating the Constructors’ standings, the team is now focused on securing a future driver lineup that can sustain its reign beyond 2025.

In a brief statement, Horner said:

“We’re always looking to the future. Franco is one of the most exciting young drivers in motorsport right now. He has shown skill, hunger, and an ability to learn quickly under pressure. That’s the DNA we look for at Red Bull.”

Sources close to the team say the offer to Colapinto was both financially and technically attractive, including extensive simulator testing, private F1 sessions later this year, and potential FP1 outings in the second half of the 2025 season.

Verstappen’s Reaction

Many expected Verstappen, known for his assertive presence within the team, to be skeptical of pairing with a rookie. But insiders reveal that the Dutch superstar was supportive of the move, even going so far as to say:

“If Franco’s fast, he’ll push me. That’s what I want. I don’t want an easy teammate — I want someone who brings the best out of both of us.”

Such an endorsement from Verstappen is rare and suggests he sees value in having a competitive, ambitious young driver rather than a veteran who plays a supporting role.

What This Means for Pérez

This development raises serious questions about Sergio Pérez’s future. The Mexican driver’s current contract expires at the end of 2025, and while Red Bull has publicly supported him, there’s been a clear performance gap between him and Verstappen—particularly in qualifying and tire management.

If Colapinto accepts the offer and is confirmed for 2026, Pérez may be forced to consider alternative seats—possibly with Audi or Aston Martin—both of which are looking for experienced drivers to anchor their projects.

Argentina Reacts: A Nation Celebrates

News of the offer has set off celebrations in Argentina, where Colapinto is being hailed as a national hero in the making. With only a few Argentine drivers having ever made it to F1—most notably Carlos Reutemann—Colapinto’s potential debut would mark a historic return of the Argentine flag to the grid.

On social media, #ColapintoF1 and #VamosFranco quickly began trending, with fans, journalists, and even the Argentine sports ministry offering public congratulations.

What’s Next?

Colapinto has yet to formally accept the offer, but insiders say he is seriously considering it, and an announcement could come as early as the British Grand Prix. Several logistical and contractual details still need to be resolved, including his commitments to MP Motorsport and Williams’ driver academy, where he has also been a reserve and development driver.

Still, the prospect of Colapinto donning the Red Bull racing suit and taking on the F1 world alongside Verstappen is a tantalizing one—for both fans and the future of the sport.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Red Bull?

If finalized, this move would be one of the most daring decisions Horner has made since promoting Verstappen as a teenager in 2016—a gamble that ultimately paid off.

Bringing in Colapinto could signal the dawn of a new era at Red Bull, balancing a dominant world champion with an electrifying rookie who could one day challenge him.

As the F1 paddock holds its breath, all eyes are now on Colapinto—and whether he will take the million-dollar leap into Formula 1 history.