Transfer rumours in the paddock have intensified on the eve of the weekend in Brazil, with Franco Colapinto's name increasingly cropping up alongside Red Bull's as a replacement for Sergio Perez. The Argentine, already with Williams, could be the main candidate to partner Max Verstappen in 2025, while Sergio Perez's position continues to creak after yet another disappointing qualifying, this time in the Interlagos Sprint.
Colapinto in Red Bull? A hypothesis that gains strength
From Argentina, the media firmly believe that the agreement between Colapinto and Red Bull for 2025 is now a done deal. Rubén Daray, Argentine journalist and host of the program To All Motor, said that the South American driver is destined to join Red Bull. “A month ago we gave you the scoop that Colapinto would remain in Formula 1 until the end of the year. Now I can tell you in advance that Colapinto is already Red Bull's second driver for 2025,” Daray said, a revelation that fuels the hopes of Argentine fans and creates further pressure on Perez.
Colapinto, who has impressed at the helm of Williams, could represent a game-changer for the Milton Keynes team, especially given Perez’s performance in recent races. The possibility of an Argentine at Red Bull also raises questions about Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who are hoping for promotion but may have to reconsider their ambitions.
Perez: “I know I’ll stay, the rumors don’t worry me”
Despite the speculation, Sergio Perez has sounded confident about his future. “It won’t be my last race at Red Bull,” said the Mexican. “You’ll see me in Vegas and you’ll see me next year.” With a contract extended until 2025, Perez appears confident in the team’s support, although his recent performances have cast doubt on his position. In his home GP in Mexico, Perez had a disappointing qualifying, being eliminated in Q1 and an unfortunate contact that further compromised his race.
At Interlagos, things didn't go any better: Perez once again missed the target in Sprint Qualifying, while his teammate Verstappen continued to distance his opponents, keeping the battle alive in the Constructors' Championship. The words of Chris Horner, who recalled how "Formula 1 is a performance-based sport", seem like a veiled warning for the Mexican driver, especially in view of the last races.

Revolution at Red Bull?
With Colapinto close to Red Bull and Perez in the balance, Milton Keynes’ future could see a significant change in the driver line-up. Horner's visit to Williams hospitality and the interest shown in the young Argentine confirm the team's willingness to explore valid alternativesColapinto, for his part, demonstrated solidity and speed, qualities that Horner's team is looking for to support Verstappen in the race for future titles.
It remains to be seen whether Perez will be able to redeem himself in the next races, or whether Red Bull will prefer to bet on the emerging talent of Colapinto.