Red Bull Racing is getting ready for a crucial evaluation phase as the 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close in the hopes of determining their future driver roster in addition to Max Verstappen. With Verstappen’s domination and the team’s recent success, Red Bull is apparently looking for candidates for a possible £115,000-per-week contract in an effort to set a high bar for their next driver.
The Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, as well as Red Bull’s 2025 driver roster, are all significantly impacted by the last few weeks of the 2024 season. Despite Verstappen’s established status as Red Bull’s star, the company is still looking for a teammate who can perform well and fit in with its ethos. Finding a driver who can optimize Red Bull’s strengths and enhance Verstappen’s style and strategy is crucial, according to team principal Christian Horner.
Insiders claim that Red Bull will be able to assess the shortlisted drivers’ ability in the face of late-season demands during the last races. This time frame frequently displays drivers’ aptitude for managing intense competition and intricate on-track dynamics, which are important considerations in Red Bull’s decision-making process.
The alleged weekly salary of £115,000 demonstrates Red Bull’s dedication to luring elite talent. Through its driver development programs, Red Bull Racing has long made investments in young, talented drivers; Verstappen was particularly nurtured from an early age. But they now seem more prepared to spend a lot of money on a proven talent if doing so will increase their chances of winning a championship with Verstappen. Red Bull’s intention to hire a driver who can match, or at least assist, the current world champion is shown by this possible deal.
The competitiveness of the present Formula One environment is also reflected in this investment. Red Bull has to keep a roster that can compete with teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin both on and off the track since they have improved their game.
Red Bull’s driver academy is still a key component of its long-term plan, and young drivers like Liam Lawson, who performed well as a backup driver, have a strong case for a full-time position. The current talent at AlphaTauri, who might be ready for a promotion to Red Bull, is another potential candidate. Though they are conscious that an experienced veteran might provide the necessary experience to provide Verstappen with a strong counterpoint, the team is also taking other drivers into consideration.
Furthermore, there is conjecture that Red Bull would go after a very competitive driver from a rival team, who could offer both skill and a tactical edge. As teams compete for the top slots in a grid that is getting more and more competitive, such movements have grown more frequent in recent seasons.
Verstappen’s opinion is probably going to have a big influence on the choice. Verstappen, who is well-known for his straightforward demeanor and high standards, will look for a colleague who shares his emphasis on consistency and togetherness. Verstappen has expressed a desire for a teammate who can assist Red Bull in continuously contending for Constructors’ titles, despite the fact that he has continuously demonstrated that he can bear a large portion of the team’s performance load.
Red Bull will be intently monitoring the final three races as it examines the drivers it has on its radar. The team’s choice will influence the competitive environment for the 2025 Formula One season in addition to the driver market. With Verstappen at the top of the lineup, Red Bull might continue to dominate if the proper decision is made. However, making the incorrect choice could allow rivals to get closer.
With the knowledge that these final races will influence Red Bull’s—and perhaps Verstappen’s—future in the sport, fans and commentators will be watching the 2024 season with great anticipation. Whether Red Bull has a roster that can solidify its history in Formula 1 or confronts fresh difficulties in the 2025 season could be decided in the coming weeks.