Red Bull drivers’ market: Ricciardo ‘protected’ by Horner, Perez’s money retaining Verstappen

With the 2025 drivers’ market heating up, will the Red Bull teams fail to keep their drivers happy?

One of the few remaining teams with neither driver signed for 2025 is the newly named Visa Cash App RB. Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have yet to be awarded an extension, so is either driver in danger?

According to the BBC’s Andrew Benson, we may only see one driver remain with the team next season. Regarding the Australian, Benson reports:

“At the moment, though, Ricciardo is protected by [Red Bull] team principal Christian Horner, sources say, and is safe for now from being replaced by reserve Liam Lawson.”

However, Tsunoda doesn’t appear to be receiving the same treatment. Benson alleges, “The impression from the outside is that there is absolutely nothing Tsunoda can do to be considered for a seat at Red Bull – the bosses simply do not rate him highly enough.”

But will the Japanese driver switch sides? Benson rules out a move to Aston Martin which was believed to be a shoo-in until Fernando Alonso signed his renewal. This leaves Tsunoda with Williams, Haas, and Alpine.

Considering Esteban Ocon’s precarious position at the team following the Monaco Grand Prix, could Tsunoda reunite with Pierre Gasly at Alpine? If the French outfit seeks harmony among teammates, this pair got along famously during their AlphaTauri days.

And who would replace Tsunoda? Benson simply says:

“It is not hard to imagine a Lawson and Ricciardo line-up at RB in 2025, though, if Horner does not shift his stance and Tsunoda moves elsewhere.”

Is Sergio Perez’s sponsorship money funding Max Verstappen’s contract?

The debate regarding Verstappen joining Mercedes seems to have been put to bed this last week. The reigning world champion has reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull and appears to be staying. But what about his teammate?

Perez’s position has never been 100% safe. Poor performances like those seen in Imola, and his shocking Q1 exit in Monaco, don’t exactly help his case. But there is increasing speculation that the Mexican will receive a contract extension in the coming days. But what is keeping him at Red Bull?

According to former Formula One driver turned pundit Ralf Schumacher, it may all come down to money. But not in the way you think. Schumacher speculated:

“You shouldn’t forget, as long as Max Verstappen stays, that’s what I’ve heard at least once. The budget limits are relatively tight at Red Bull, and Perez brings money.”

Is Perez’s array of sponsorship deals helping fund Verstappen’s hefty contract fee? The Mexican has always been known for bringing much-needed funds to whatever team he is driving for. Considering the likes of Disney, Mobil, Claro, Telcel, and Kit Kat back Perez, it is easy to understand how.

Feature Image Credit: @redbullracing on X