Lawson favourite to replace Perez at Red Bull, Bottas also on list

Although the 34-year-old has a contract with Red Bull until the end of next year, speculation is mounting that Perez may not retain his seat for the 2025 season, following a challenging year where he was consistently outperformed by teammate Verstappen.

Betting platform Gambling.com has offered odds on potential candidates to replace the Mexican driver if Red Bull opts for a change during the off-season, with a range of drivers emerging as possibilities.

Liam Lawson, priced as the 4/6 favourite, is seen as the leading candidate to step into Perez’s seat. The New Zealander made a strong impression during his temporary stint with Red Bull, having replaced Daniel Ricciardo at the United States Grand Prix. Since then,

Lawson has shown promise, scoring points and performing on par with his AlphaTauri teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, in both qualifying sessions and races.

Lawson’s rapid adaptation to Formula 1, combined with Red Bull’s history of promoting young talent from their junior programme, bolsters his case for a full-time seat alongside Verstappen.

Yuki Tsunoda, listed at 3/1, is another contender but faces an uphill battle. Despite his experience and steady improvement over recent seasons, Tsunoda has yet to secure a Red Bull seat, even during periods when Perez struggled. His ties to Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier, have played a key role in his continued presence in Formula 1.

Should Lawson be passed over, Tsunoda might see 2025 as his final chance to drive for a championship-contending team. However, his past reputation for inconsistency and incidents may weigh against him in Red Bull’s decision-making process.

Isack Hadjar, a rising star from Formula 2, is also in contention with odds of 6/1. The French-Algerian driver finished second in the 2024 F2 championship and serves as Red Bull’s test and reserve driver. Despite his evident speed, a direct promotion to Red Bull’s main team would be a significant leap, requiring him to compete against Verstappen at the highest level of the sport.

Nevertheless, recent F2 graduates such as Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have proven that stepping into Formula 1 directly from F2 can be a viable pathway. If Red Bull places their faith in Hadjar, he could follow in their footsteps.

Among the more experienced options, Valtteri Bottas, at 8/1, could provide a reliable alternative for Red Bull. The Finnish driver, who partnered Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, demonstrated his ability to support a dominant teammate while consistently delivering podium finishes and occasional victories.

With no confirmed seat for 2025 following his exit from Sauber, Bottas remains a free agent who could bring stability to Red Bull’s line-up.

Daniel Ricciardo (10/1) is another familiar name in the mix. Despite being replaced by Lawson after struggling for form during his Red Bull return, Ricciardo retains a strong relationship with the team. While a return for 2025 seems unlikely given his recent struggles, his popularity within Red Bull’s hierarchy means he cannot be ruled out entirely.

Franco Colapinto, priced at 12/1, represents a wildcard option. The Argentine driver has impressed during his time with Williams, showcasing a fearless and aggressive racing style. Without a full-time race seat confirmed for 2025, Colapinto’s name has surfaced as a potential outside choice for Red Bull’s second seat.

As Red Bull deliberates over their 2025 driver line-up, the team faces a familiar conundrum: balancing their desire to nurture young talent with the need for a dependable second driver to support Verstappen’s continued dominance.

Whether they opt for the promise of Lawson, the experience of Bottas, or an unexpected wildcard like Colapinto, the decision will shape the team’s trajectory for the upcoming season.