Red Bull it is so conveniently located that it can already start planning for the future. The short-term technical aspect is shaping up these days, as we were able to highlight in the focus posted yesterday (read here); sporty, with a slightly more extended time frame, might start writing these days.
At the core of the case is arrangement pilots. Given that Max Verstappen the presence of a valid contract until 2028, among other things very well paid, is the cornerstone of the team, the second box (because with Milton Keynes there is only one star) begins to be the subject of deep thoughts, from which ringing in the ears Sergio Perez. The Mexican’s connection to the Austrian partnership ends at the end of 2024. Horner and participants don’t want to be caught unprepared for that date, with the intention of moving in much earlier to figure out how to proceed: with Sergius or with another drivers?
Red Bull – Perez: “War” of contractual guarantees
When the Mexican and his team reached an agreement that paved the way for cooperation, they thought it best to protect their mutual interests, as is usually the case. Some treaty quibbles explain why the parties had little to no trust in each other when they arrived to impose mutual protection clauses about a love that may never have fully blossomed.
Looks like a world champion team forced the driver to sign a contractual note that provides for a reduction in part of the salary if the gap in points with Max Verstappen it’s too open. The footnote is activated if the length is 125, namely gap which today separates the two bishops. A careful nut to crack for a Mexican who, thanks to his name, brings a lot of energy drink sales to the South American market.
TO Milton Keynes and executive bodies Red Bull GmbH it is cynicism that fuels the engine of wins and losses, which is why cold cards are respected without any concessions. Perezperhaps, fearing that such a possibility could be realized, they inserted an appendix into the contract forbidding the team to withdraw it in Alpha Tauri as happened to the illustrious predecessors who responded to the name Alex Albon, Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly.
This sincerely sly retaliatory move, determined by the Guadalajara Drivers’ Staff, will in all likelihood ensure that, whatever the outcome of the 2023 season, and even if wage cuts are activated, a seat in the cabin RB20 it will be guaranteed. And it’s no small feat to get around again in a car that can actually win again. If you don’t win big.
Red Bull looks to 2025
When the contract expires, the ball is returned to the hands Helmut Marko and Chris Horner who doesn’t seem to want to bet on the services of an ex again Racing Point. And here the first media barbs begin, reeking of antiphons: “It’s nice to see a lot of interest in us. As for 2025, there are not only Perez and Ricciardo, but also non-Red Bull riders.“. The words of the head of the British team that smell like a warning to everyone.
The first one to understand is one’s own Perez who risks playing the entire season in retirement. This would not be the best decision for a rider who is not already at the center of the team’s technical discourse, which, understandably, all in on Verstappen. But the warning applies to the navigator as well. Riccardo who dreams of making the big leap in 2025.
The Australian, despite having 234 races to his credit, is under scrutiny like any newcomer.. The difficulties that have arisen in the last two years have determined the way out of a good circle. Red Bull gave it a second chance by logging in Alpha Tauri and the next ten GPs will be crucial to understand if “honey badgerreally returned.
But the words Horneralbeit concise, but also open to other scenarios. Red Bullhow did it happen with the engagement Perez, consider targeting a pilot who is not from your home galaxy. After forging crystal talents such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen and constructing others, slightly smaller in caliber, but still as valid as the others Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon etc., you might want to focus on the external pilot.
Names? Pilots whose contract expires at the end of 2024, in addition to Perez, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Alexander Albon, Nico Hulkenberg and Oscar Piastri. A heterogeneous rose that has a reverse horse (Thai Williams), some pipe dream (Leclerc which we understand has an extension agreement with ferrari) and a teasing idea like the one it leads to Dishes What McLaren but he wants to close. Or maybe it’s just from Woking that zest can come that Lando Norris whose bond expires in 2025 and what could push the switch to Milton Keynes break free a year earlier.
But even so, it’s about the fantasy market and having to go head-to-head with a tough guy like Zach Brown who wouldn’t want to give up Bristol’s talent so easily. According to the picture above, Red Bull he doesn’t have many options if he wants to build dream Team. And the essence is precisely this: they are looking for an edge or a follower for joint work Max? In this case, it is very likely, by the way, that everything would be easier.
Author: Diego Catalano – @diegocat1977
Photo: F1, Oracle Red Bull Racing