Racing Bulls have made their choice, but will make it official after Singapore

A new driver for next year should soon be confirmed. Helmut Marko has indeed confirmed that Red Bull has already made its choice regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s future teammate and that the announcement will come very soon, between this week’s Singapore Grand Prix and the one in Austin on October 20. “We have an idea, but we have to wait until Singapore,” acknowledged the advisor speaking to Viaplay. “From there, we will have a clear idea. It will be quite clear what will happen,” said the Austrian this weekend in Azerbaijan. Now we just need to know the identity of this driver.

Three contenders for the Racing Bulls’ tub

For several weeks, rumors have continued to circulate about the potential eviction of Ricciardo at the end of the season to make way for New Zealander Liam Lawson, who had already replaced the Australian last year when he injured his wrist during free practice at Zandvoort. Speculations intensified at the Belgian Grand Prix when Ricciardo was seen with Laurent Mekies and Christian Horner, suggesting the likely replacement of Perez by the former McLaren driver for the rest of the season. This situation freed up a seat at Racing Bulls, which was supposed to be given to Lawson. However, Red Bull has decided to backtrack and confirmed Perez and Ricciardo in their respective teams for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, this weekend, Helmut Marko’s statement has reignited the rumors.

The Austrian indicated that a decision would be made between Singapore and Austin with an announcement that would come even before the American weekend. Lawson seems to be the most likely candidate for the position, with Marko having promised him a seat within the Red Bull fold for 2025. Furthermore, Perez’s situation could change the situation, as the New Zealander would probably be the Austrian team’s first choice if they decided to part ways with Perez, who has not met the team’s expectations this year and will probably cost the team from Milton Keynes the constructors’ title. A possibility that gives optimism to Ricciardo, who still hopes to continue his Formula 1 adventure. In this scenario, Racing Bulls could turn to the Frenchman Isack Hadjar, second in the Formula 2 championship, who has already completed several test sessions on behalf of Red Bull.

Will Ricciardo be replaced by Lawson as early as Singapore?

The Australian seems to be closer and closer to the exit, especially as his results do not allow him to be in a strong position in the discussions, like his modest 13th place this weekend in Zandvoort. A replacement by Liam Lawson is therefore more and more logical, but the latest rumors suggest that it could happen sooner than expected.

After Baku, Dutch F1 journalist Rick Winkelman claimed that, according to several of his sources, Red Bull was even considering giving the Australian driver’s seat to the New Zealand driver as soon as this weekend in Singapore. “I have understood from several people that Liam Lawson will certainly drive in Singapore. Apparently, Lawson’s contract with Red Bull stipulates that he must drive in at least five Grand Prix races this year,” explained the Dutchman, who received the information via the Verstappen clan. A decision that would confirm the hopes of the winner of the 2021 Monza race, Red Bull choosing Lawson from Singapore to prepare him for next year. The Marina Bay Grand Prix is therefore likely to be eventful at Red Bull, both on the track, where the Austrian team will try to overtake McLaren in the constructors’ championship, and off the track, with important decisions to be made to prepare for 2025.