Red Bull Eyes Franco Colapinto as Potential $20 Million Replacement for Struggling Sergio Perez
Amid an intense 2024 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing is reportedly considering a major shakeup by bringing in one of F1’s rising stars, Franco Colapinto, to potentially replace Sergio Perez. Rumors surrounding the move have gained momentum following Perez’s string of disappointing performances, which have cast serious doubt on his future with the team.
Sergio Perez, who joined Red Bull in 2021 to provide stability alongside Max Verstappen, has struggled to find consistency this season. In recent races, his performance has shown little improvement, with an early Q1 exit in Mexico and a frustrating 17th-place finish. The Brazilian Grand Prix saw similar struggles, as Perez’s poor qualifying session left him unable to recover beyond an 11th-place finish, leaving him without points once again.
With Red Bull’s high standards and the team’s goal to dominate the Constructors’ Championship, such results have reportedly led Christian Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko to consider alternative options. According to Sky Italia, Red Bull has made a $20 million offer to secure Colapinto, who is currently impressing as a stand-in driver for Williams following Logan Sargeant’s exit. The Argentine driver has caught the attention of Red Bull’s management due to his promising performances, showcasing his potential in an F1 car under high-pressure conditions.
The speculation was fueled further by Dutch broadcaster Jack Plooij, who recently revealed on Ziggo Sport’s Race Cafe that Marko was ready to make a substantial financial commitment to bring Colapinto on board. Plooij shared details about Marko’s conversation with Williams’ team principal James Vowles, during which Marko allegedly offered $20 million to buy Colapinto out of his contract and bring him over to Red Bull.
The possibility of Colapinto joining Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate is particularly noteworthy, as the Argentine driver has only recently entered the F1 circuit. If signed, Colapinto would be joining one of the sport’s top teams with minimal F1 experience, signaling Red Bull’s confidence in his abilities. Plooij noted that the arrangement is not intended as a stepping stone to Red Bull’s junior teams but instead as a direct seat next to Verstappen, a clear indication of Red Bull’s readiness to place high stakes on Colapinto’s development.
As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, Red Bull’s patience with Perez appears to be wearing thin. Team principal Horner previously indicated that if Perez’s performances did not improve, difficult decisions might be inevitable. While Perez has delivered strong results in the past, his inability to keep up with the competition has prompted Red Bull to reassess their lineup, potentially in favor of a driver who could consistently support Verstappen in securing both Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
Colapinto’s name being considered for a full-time seat with Red Bull underscores the team’s ambition to maintain its competitive edge, especially as rival teams like Mercedes and McLaren continue to show progress. If the reported $20 million offer to Williams is confirmed and Colapinto is brought in, it would be one of the boldest moves Red Bull has made in recent years, disrupting a long-standing driver lineup and introducing a promising talent to the team.
While Red Bull has yet to make an official announcement, the growing rumors about Perez’s uncertain future and Colapinto’s potential recruitment highlight the team’s drive to reinforce their lineup. As Formula 1 enters its final races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, the pressure on Perez will only increase. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Red Bull’s rumored bid for Colapinto solidifies and if the team is indeed poised for a major lineup change heading into the 2025 season.
