Red Bull to announce Sergio Perez exit today with replacement already lined up in major F1 shake-up

Red Bull will announce Sergio Perez's replacement on Tuesday, according to reports – and it doesn't look like it will be Yuki Tsunoda, despite his impressive showing in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this month, Red Bull principal Christian Horner opened up on who could fill Perez’s seat in 2025 should they decide to part company.

Horner, who said it was “crucial” for Red Bull to have two drivers that are scoring on a regular collective basis in the constructors’ championship, claimed Japanese driver Tsunoda had "done a good job" and was a candidate.

But when asked about the performance of Liam Lawson in 2025, Horner sounded convinced. “I think Liam, in challenging circumstances, has done a very good job," he said.

After scoring just one top-nine finish in the final eight races of the campaign, Perez's future has been up in the air for some time having fallen short of expectations.

And now, it appears Max Verstappen will have a new teammate in 2025. Sky Germany confirmed on Tuesday that the decision has been made to part ways with Perez, with Liam Lawson being lined up to replace him.

The 22-year-old New Zealander burst onto the scene during the 2023 campaign, when he filled in for Daniel Ricciardo at the Dutch Grand Prix.

He impressed with his aggressive driving style – something Red Bull clearly admire – and it appears he will be handed a seat by the F1 team.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, is set to be overlooked by Red Bull, despite impressing in the Abu Dhabi post-season test.

After being given the opportunity to drive the RB20 at the Yas Marina Circuit, he said: “I think the chances are 50-50. Of course, I’d be happiest if I could drive for Red Bull, but I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’m receiving from everyone in this current situation."

Liam Lawson of Visa Cash App RB talks to Max Verstappen prior to Abu Dhabi GP. Image credit: Getty

He added: “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just want to perform well and score points. Standing on the podium at Suzuka would be the ultimate dream. But, to achieve that, I want to help build a better car and a better team someday. Until that time comes, I hope everyone can be patient.”

Horner recently addressed the next steps when it comes to Perez's position.

“Obviously those discussions will happen between Checo and the team," he said.

"Now [we’ve got] the season out of the way, we’ll sit down with him and reflect on the season and obviously where it’s gone wrong and collectively work out what is the right and appropriate way forward.

"Checo has been a great server to this team, going back to this race [in Abu Dhabi] in 2021, the contribution that he made, 2022 and 2023 constructors’ championships, five race victories, second in last year’s drivers’ championship, so he’s done an awful lot for this team and we’ll sit down and reflect on this season and how we move forward."

Sergio Perez at the Abu Dhabi GP. Image credit: Getty

“There’s no immediate rush,” added Horner. “We have all of the permutations available to us internally, so I think the first thing is to sit down with Checo and have that conversation now that the season’s completed.

“Sitting here now, he’s still our driver, so it would be wrong for me to speculate on what next year may look like until he and I have sat down.”