The Las Vegas Grand Prix has left Red Bull Racing with more questions than answers. After Sergio Perez’s underwhelming performance in what was expected to be a straightforward weekend for the team, rumors have reignited about Yuki Tsunoda potentially stepping up to replace the Mexican driver.

Sergio Perez has faced growing scrutiny throughout the 2024 season, but his performance in Las Vegas has added fuel to the fire. A combination of poor qualifying results and a lackluster race saw Perez finish well outside the points. For a team accustomed to dominance, this was a rare but glaring failure.

While Max Verstappen continued his record-breaking streak, Perez’s struggles highlighted a growing disparity between the two drivers. Red Bull’s management is reportedly losing patience, with team principal Christian Horner hinting at a potential reshuffle during post-race interviews.

Yuki Tsunoda, currently driving for Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri, has impressed in recent races. The young Japanese driver has shown consistency, sharp overtaking skills, and a calm demeanor under pressure—qualities Red Bull values in a second driver to support Verstappen.

In the 2024 season, Tsunoda has outperformed AlphaTauri’s expectations, often finishing ahead of more experienced drivers. His ability to adapt quickly and extract maximum performance from his car has not gone unnoticed by Red Bull’s top brass.

A comparison of the two drivers’ stats this season shows why Tsunoda is being considered:

• Sergio Perez: 2 podiums, 3 DNFs, and an average race finish of 9th.
• Yuki Tsunoda: Consistent top-10 finishes, 1 podium at Singapore, and no DNFs since mid-season.

While Perez’s experience cannot be ignored, Red Bull values results, and Tsunoda’s upward trajectory may be the fresh energy the team needs.

Although no official statements have been made, insiders suggest that Red Bull is closely monitoring both drivers’ performances heading into the final races of the season. When asked about Tsunoda’s potential promotion, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, simply stated, “Yuki is improving every race. He’s showing he’s ready for bigger challenges.”

The possible lineup change has divided fans. Some believe it’s time for Red Bull to part ways with Perez, citing his inconsistency as a liability. Others argue that Perez’s experience is crucial for the team, especially as they prepare for new regulations in 2026.

One fan tweeted, “Perez is a great driver, but it’s clear he’s not delivering what Red Bull needs. Tsunoda deserves his shot.” Another wrote, “Switching drivers mid-project is risky. Red Bull should stick with Perez and focus on fixing the car.”

With only a few races left in the season, Red Bull faces a critical decision. Promoting Tsunoda could inject fresh energy into the team, but it also risks destabilizing their proven formula. On the other hand, retaining Perez might provide stability but could cost the team crucial points in the Constructors’ Championship next year.

As the F1 world watches, one thing is clear: Red Bull isn’t afraid to make bold moves. Whether Tsunoda replaces Perez or not, the team’s priority remains the same—dominate the grid and secure their legacy as the best in the sport.