Historically, the two Red Bull Formula 1 teams served distinct purposes: one focused on talent development, nurturing drivers like Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo at the outset, while the other stood as the main team that drivers aspired to join ultimately.
Helmut Marko asks Red Bull junior critics ‘what do they have to say now?’
Decisions made in recent years to reintegrate Daniel Ricciardo, Alex Albon, and Daniil Kvyat into the Red Bull setup were prompted by concerns about the readiness of candidates within the Red Bull Junior Team to advance, a contrast to previous years. However, Red Bull now boasts a wealth of options from within its ranks. Reserve driver Liam Lawson, along with Ayumu Iwasa in Super Formula and Formula 2 contender Isack Hadjar, are all potential candidates for a 2025 Formula 1 seat with Red Bull.
Arvid Lindblad, a 16-year-old British racer, has also garnered attention by transitioning from Formula 4 to Formula 3, winning his debut Bahrain sprint race and currently holding fifth place in the Championship standings. Red Bull juniors Oliver Goethe and Tim Tramnitz follow closely behind.
Marko, head of the Red Bull driver program, pointed out the shift in perception regarding the performance of their junior drivers: “A few years ago, doubts were cast on the abilities of our juniors, but what are they saying now?”
Marko praised Hadjar’s performance in Formula 2 despite setbacks and highlighted Marti’s potential while acknowledging his need to minimize errors. He also commended Iwasa’s consistent performances in Super Formula, positioning him as another promising talent alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
Regarding Lawson, who stood in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023, Marko hinted at a potential seat for him in 2025, noting a contractual clause allowing Lawson to explore opportunities outside Red Bull if he’s not provided with a seat for the upcoming season.
Ricciardo’s struggles compared to Tsunoda in the 2024 Formula 1 season, with only five points to Tsunoda’s 19, may prompt Red Bull to reconsider their lineup for 2025.
