According to the latest reports, Red Bull is prepared to replace Sergio Perez in 2025 with Franco Colapinto, as revealed by the newspaper LatinUS.
The Williams driver finished the Mexican Grand Prix in twelfth place at the 4.304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, with a penalty he recently contested. Currently, the Argentine has no seat for next year, with his only remaining option reportedly being Sauber/Audi. However, following Sergio Perez’s disappointing performance during his home Grand Prix, Red Bull has fallen to third place in the constructors’ standings. For a team that dominated last season, this situation is unacceptable.
New Zealand journalist Jack Plooij disclosed that the Milton Keynes team is reportedly willing to pay $20 million to secure Franco Colapinto as Sergio Perez’s replacement. The Williams-Red Bull deal is said to have already been finalized.
“[Helmut] Marko told James Vowles (Williams team principal): ‘I’ll give you $20 million; I want him [Colapinto] now, end of story. A flat fee,’” Jack Plooij stated. “I was told the plan is to go all out, and he’ll simply line up alongside Max.”
Not only Jack Plooij but also Argentine journalist Gabriele Bracesco confirmed significant activity in the driver market: “Deal closed between Williams and Red Bull,” he stated, considering the agreement certain. “Franco Colapinto will race for Red Bull in 2025. Checo Perez will leave.”
The announcement of the Mexican’s potential departure is expected during the next race weekend at the Interlagos circuit in Brazil. For now, these remain strong rumors, so take them with caution, as nothing has been confirmed yet.
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