Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko was reportedly spotted at another Formula 1 team's hospitality area during the Chinese Grand Prix as the Liam Lawson rumours refuse to go away.
23-year-old Lawson has endured a tough start to life at Red Bull after three disappointing results.
On debut, the New Zealander crashed out on lap 47 of the Australian Grand Prix before finishing 14th in the China sprint race and 12th in the main event.
As a result, it has been widely reported that Lawson is now under heavy pressure, with Red Bull said to be considering a change of drivers ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda is said to be at the front of the queue but a shock alternative has since emerged.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko 'spotted' at F1 rival's hospitality area
As reported by Motorsport, Red Bull advisor Marko visited the Alpine hospitality during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, adding fuel to the fire that Franco Colapinto could be signed up as Lawson's replacement.
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Argentine Colapinto impressed during his stint with Williams last season but signed a long-term deal with Alpine ahead of the 2025 campaign to be their reserve driver.
Before signing for Alpine, the 21-year-old was also linked with Red Bull but a move never materialised.
However, FIA-accredited journalist Thomas Maher has hinted that Colapinto is not in the running.
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"Rumour mill running wild about RBR but what is known is that no decisions have yet been made about any potential driver changes," he said on X, formerly Twitter.
"Yuki Tsunoda is not decided upon for Japan, while Franco Colapinto is understood to be nowhere near involved in any discussions."
He added: "If any decisions are made, they'll be made with cool and calm heads away from the immediate aftermath of this weekend. Expectation is no decisions will be made until race week for Suzuka."
Topics: Red Bull Racing, Formula 1
Marcus Chan