Red Bull already has Max Verstappen under contract for 2025, while Perez has impressed in the first part of the 2024 season to ensure he is likely to retain his seat at the team.
Pérez said Thursday that, given the dynamic nature of the driver market in 2025, he hoped to “know my future in the coming weeks, because everything is evolving quite quickly. So I think it’s important not to wait too long a long time”.
In response to a question asking whether Red Bull was close to confirming its plans for next season, team principal Horner responded in the negative.
“Not very [close]“It’s amazing that we’re in the fifth race and there’s already so much talk about the drivers for next year.”
“We are in a situation where we are very happy with our two drivers.
“But we won’t need to make a final roster decision until much later in the year.
“Max is on a long-term contract anyway, Checo is out of contract this year, but he has driven exceptionally well so far this season.”
Horner understood Perez’s desire for a quick resolution to contract negotiations for 2025, especially since the Mexican endured much of 2023 under pressure because of a series of poor performances midway through the season.
However, Horner explained that he wanted to determine whether Pérez was able to maintain his form before both sides could start putting pen to paper.
“Of course he would like to make an announcement tomorrow, without a doubt, when we as a team are not in a particular hurry,” Horner said.
“We are in a lucky position where many drivers would obviously like to drive for the team, but we are happy with the duo we have.
“We just want to make sure that the level of consistency that Checo started this season with is maintained. And in due course we will evaluate those options.
“But, at this point, we are very happy with the lineup we have.”
Addressing the prospect of RB’s Daniel Ricciardo, who had been earmarked as a possible replacement for Perez should the Australian regain momentum in F1, Horner noted there was still time to turn things around.
Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 team, Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 team
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
He also noted that reserve driver Liam Lawson, who impressed when replacing the injured Ricciardo last season, was “chomping at the bit” to secure a racing place – but that priority was with the current racing drivers.
“I think a lot of it is in Daniel’s hands. He needs to show the kind of form that turns heads so that not only ourselves, but potentially others, take notice,” Horner added.
“We’re only in the fifth race. It’s a track that has gone well for him before, he also has a sprint race, so it will be interesting to see if he can really get his season going here.
“Liam Lawson is champing at the bit for an opportunity, but there is nothing predetermined about when or even if it will happen.
“The priority is certainly for the drivers who are currently in charge and we will see how that plays out.”
Red Bull already has Max Verstappen under contract for 2025, while Perez has impressed in the first part of the 2024 season to ensure he is likely to retain his seat at the team.
Pérez said Thursday that, given the dynamic nature of the driver market in 2025, he hoped to “know my future in the coming weeks, because everything is evolving quite quickly. So I think it’s important not to wait too long a long time”.
In response to a question asking whether Red Bull was close to confirming its plans for next season, team principal Horner responded in the negative.
“Not very [close]“It’s amazing that we’re in the fifth race and there’s already so much talk about the drivers for next year.”
“We are in a situation where we are very happy with our two drivers.
“But we won’t need to make a final roster decision until much later in the year.
“Max is on a long-term contract anyway, Checo is out of contract this year, but he has driven exceptionally well so far this season.”
Horner understood Perez’s desire for a quick resolution to contract negotiations for 2025, especially since the Mexican endured much of 2023 under pressure because of a series of poor performances midway through the season.
However, Horner explained that he wanted to determine whether Pérez was able to maintain his form before both sides could start putting pen to paper.
“Of course he would like to make an announcement tomorrow, without a doubt, when we as a team are not in a particular hurry,” Horner said.
“We are in a lucky position where many drivers would obviously like to drive for the team, but we are happy with the duo we have.
“We just want to make sure that the level of consistency that Checo started this season with is maintained. And in due course we will evaluate those options.
“But, at this point, we are very happy with the lineup we have.”
Addressing the prospect of RB’s Daniel Ricciardo, who had been earmarked as a possible replacement for Perez should the Australian regain momentum in F1, Horner noted there was still time to turn things around.
Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 team, Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 team
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
He also noted that reserve driver Liam Lawson, who impressed when replacing the injured Ricciardo last season, was “chomping at the bit” to secure a racing place – but that priority was with the current racing drivers.
“I think a lot of it is in Daniel’s hands. He needs to show the kind of form that turns heads so that not only ourselves, but potentially others, take notice,” Horner added.
“We’re only in the fifth race. It’s a track that has gone well for him before, he also has a sprint race, so it will be interesting to see if he can really get his season going here.
“Liam Lawson is champing at the bit for an opportunity, but there is nothing predetermined about when or even if it will happen.
“The priority is certainly for the drivers who are currently in charge and we will see how that plays out.”