The 2024 Formula 1 driver’s market has been one of the most dramatic in the sport’s history. Last year saw all 20 drivers retained for the start of this campaign, but already two drivers – Logan Sargeant and Daniel Ricciardo – have been permanently replaced by Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson respectively, while Oliver Bearman has been called up by two different teams as a stop-gap. The drama still isn’t over with Sauber and RB yet to confirm their second drivers for 2025.

Meanwhile, Red Bull have growing concerns about Sergio Perez’s long-term future in the sport despite handing the 34-year-old a contract that could potentially run until the end of the 2026 season. Perez is too far behind teammate Max Verstappen for Red Bull to be able to justify the new deal he was offered at the Canadian Grand Prix. Photo by James Sutton/Getty ImagesHe hasn’t finished on the podium since the Sprint Race in Miami but not only that, has failed to earn a top-five finish in that time, frequently finishing behind both Mercedes cars when Verstappen has managed to be competitive against the likes of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

Journalist Joe Saward has shared on his blog what he’s heard about the next steps Red Bull are considering. The solution to their problem could potentially be Williams driver Colapinto. Colapinto was handed his chance to race in F1 for the final nine Grand Prix of the season after Sargeant’s underperformance knowing he wouldn’t have a seat at Williams in 2025.

However, he could now be offered a lifeline by the current Constructors’ champions that few would have expected just a couple of months ago. How much Red Bull have reportedly offered Williams for Franco ColapintoColapinto has been linked with Red Bull for some time now as speculation mounts about how their two teams will line up next year. Liam Lawson is a candidate for a promotion to Red Bull if Perez can’t immediately turn his form around.

Ralf Schumacher believes Perez could be dropped before the end of the season, highlighting just how urgent a move to secure another driver is for Red Bull. The report from Saward says that there is now ‘no doubt’ that Red Bull would like to sign Colapinto for 2025 despite Williams having him under contract. READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to statsHowever, the fact that Williams wouldn’t be able to offer the Argentinian a driver until potentially 2027 is a concern.

Therefore, Red Bull will need to negotiate with Williams about ending his contract and Saward says that while he can’t vouch for the exact figure, he’s ‘heard the offer’ is £15. 4m [$20m]. This is a significant fee for a driver who has only competed in five F1 race weekends in his career and the amount Red Bull may end up spending could be significantly higher.

What Damon Hill has been told about Sergio Perez’s Red Bull contractThe problem for Red Bull isn’t just that they would have to spend a significant amount to sign Colapinto. They would also need to pay off the rest of Perez’s contract which could also cost millions. READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford linksDamon Hill believes Perez’s contract is watertight after a conversation with his manager at a recent race.

The performance clauses in Perez’s deal have reportedly been removed, although Red Bull always have mechanisms in place to move drivers on if they need to. The upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix could have serious consequences for several drivers on the grid and their immediate futures in the sport.