Christian Horner insists Red Bull won’t be rushed into finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025, with Sergio Perez out of contract at the end of the season

Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists the team won’t be rushed into finalising Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2025 as the silly season of the Formula One drivers market rumbles on.

There has been strong speculation over the future of Sergio Perez, whose contract with the Austrian outfit expires at the end of the season, with Carlos Sainz one of many names being linked with the team.

That move seems unlikely according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who told reporters on Thursday that Audi, who will join the sport in 2026, have made a ‘very lucrative offer’ for the in-demand Spaniard. Sainz is being replaced at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the season.

Horner, though, wouldn’t be dragged into the rumour mill.

‘It’s incredible that we’re at race five and there’s so much talk already about drivers for next year,’ said Horner.

‘We’re in a situation where we are very happy with our two drivers but we don’t need to make a final decision about our lineup until much later in the year.’

In response to being asked about Audi’s reported bumper offer to Sainz, Horner said: ‘It’s pure speculation.

‘We have no idea if and what Audi have offered Carlos, who’s a key driver on the open market. It’s only natural there is significant interest.

‘I’m sure Audi would be foolish not to consider a driver of his quality amongst others who have seats available.’

There is, of course, the distinct possibility that Perez’s performances this season prove to be too strong for Horner and Red Bull to ignore.

The Mexican endured a difficult 2023 season but has started this year in fine form, locking out the front row alongside Verstappen in three of the first four races of 2024.

While Perez has made it clear he would like to have his future mapped out sooner rather than later, Horner remains in no mood to rush to any decision.

‘Of course he would like to make an announcement tomorrow undoubtedly,’ said the Red Bull boss. ‘We as a team aren’t in a particular rush. We’re in a fortunate position where many drivers would like to drive for the team.

‘We’re happy with the pairing we have, we just want to make sure the little bit of consistency Checo has started this season maintains and in due course we’ll evaluate those options.

‘But at this point in time we’re very happy with the lineup we have so there is no imminent rush to announce the full driver lineup for 2025.’