Red Bull substitutes for Max Verstappen including…

Christian Horner, the team’s principal at Red Bull, is said to have prepared a backup plan to bring on two drivers in case Max Verstappen decides to quit the team in 2025 to join Mercedes.

Following an inquiry into claims of inappropriate behavior, Red Bull GmBH cleared the 50-year-old to continue leading the squad.

Along with dealing with a dispute with Jos Verstappen, the father of three-time world champion Max, Horner has also had to deal with rumors that special advisor Helmut Marko might be suspended from the team, which were eventually refuted.

There appears to be division amongst important team members as a result of Verstappen’s unexpected statement that he would quit the squad should Marko, 81, be fired. Even though Horner has only had positive things to say about Verstappen, the Dutchman doesn’t seem eager to publicly support his under-pressure boss.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the paddock before the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

According to reports, it is becoming more and more obvious that Verstappen would probably leave the team if Horner stays as team captain.

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, has shown his affection for Verstappen without holding back and would welcome the opportunity to appoint him as Lewis Hamilton’s successor.

Horner eyes two drivers
In the event of Verstappen’s departure, Horner is reportedly planning to bring in Alex Albon of Williams and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri into the team, with Sergio Perez, 33, expected to join Verstappen in heading for the exit when his contract expires at the end of the season.

 

July: Sergio Perez 🆚 Oscar Piastri in Hungary

Flying around the outside with Checo! 👊

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Both Albon and Piastri have a contract with their respective teams for 2025. However, according to F1 Insider, Red Bull have not been put off by that and they are ready to put “significant sums” on the table in order to secure the two drivers. Even faced with the prospect of losing the best driver on the grid, Horner‘s position has been strengthened by the support from Red Bull‘s Thai majority shareholder, Chaleo Yoovidhya. What’s more, Horner is convinced that Verstappen is not essential to winning races and championships, and is of the opinion that the Dutchman has simply been given the fastest car for the last two seasons.