Red Bull and its awkward situation with Sergio Perez is nothing new for the F1 fans. In every season, we see Perez drop out of the contender’s list after the first few races. Despite his inconsistency, Red Bull is holding on to him. The same broken stereo of ultimatum-leaving-staying continued in the first half of the season.  However, with a secured immediate future, Perez can breathe with ease for a while. But, if his performance deteriorates again, the loop will continue. Meanwhile, his teammate Max Verstappen is trying to bypass tricky questions about the Mexican and his Red Bull stint.

The three-time champ wouldn’t surely say a word or two in this matter. After all, he knows Checo wouldn’t be a competition for his position, while other drivers (read: replacements) would surely be. While this is the case, it looks like both VCARB and Red Bull are trying their best to avoid any conversation about Perez. The teams surely don’t want to start a new set of controversies or speculations. The rumor mills are anyway working overtime to come up with the latest theories, and any statement from Max Verstappen and others could add fuel to the gossip. Surprisingly, even Yuki Tsunoda has been avoiding any Sergio Perez conversations.

Tsunoda was asked if he would replace Perez and pair up with Verstappen in 2025. The VCARB driver said that the possibility is the same as it has been for the last three years. The Japanese driver indirectly stated that his chances at a Red Bull seat are pretty bleak. “There’s a lot of speculation, but it’s not something in my control,” Tsunoda remarked. Meanwhile, reporters asked Max about Checo’s form. Verstappen clarified that he is focused on his performance in the second phase of the 2024 season. “Other people might discuss other things but I’m just happy to be here and to focus on driving,” stated Max Verstappen.

Red Bull doesn’t wish to face any unwanted speculations with Sergio Perez‘s retention or exit. Moreover, the team has already given him a lifeline to continue till the end of 2024. But the question here is, will Max and Yuki comply with each other if they ever become teammates?

Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda might never become teammates

Yuki Tsunoda debuted with Alpha Tauri, now VCARB in 2021. The 24-year-old has been pretty consistent throughout his four seasons in F1. From time to time, Tsunoda has proved that he is capable of the second seat at Red Bull. However, he misses the spot every time. It is surprising how the energy drink brand continues to give a lifeline to Checo, while sidelining drivers like Tsunoda. There is hardly any driver in the history of the sport who’s been gifted extension after extension. A major reason behind this is the sponsorship the Mexican brings for F1. So much so that the CEO of F1 himself has to intervene in Perez’s replacement discussion. Meanwhile,  some experts strongly believe this has everything to do with Max Verstappen.

There is no secret about the 3x world champion’s influence and importance in the Austrian team. The team wouldn’t want to disrupt Verstappen’s calm in a race. Having a ‘weaker’ driver like Sergio Perez will make things easier for Max. Meanwhile, a competitive driver like Tsunoda will cause more chaos- because the battle will be fierce. Does this mean, Yuki might never get a chance at Red Bull? Maybe yes. Or, as long as Max Verstappen is around, the prospects are dim.

Repeated failure, consistent inconsistencies, and alleged deliberate crashes have marked Checo’s stint at Red Bull. Nonetheless, he isn’t a topic of conversation for the energy drink brand and its daughter team, and Yuki Tsunoda’s future at Red Bull looks as bleak as always. Maybe, he could actually give Aston Martin some consideration given Honda is shifting there. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is concentrating on capitalizing on the upgrades of RB20, focusing on his game more than anything else. Even if Checo isn’t challenging him, other team’s drivers surely are.  Things at Red Bull are definitely strange sometimes, however, they never fail to surprise us, don’t they?