Helmut Marko proposed in a recent interview that one of the RB drivers could get the seat in Red Bull if he "clearly dominates the season."
Going into season 2024, it seems Red Bull will maintain its pace advantage over rivals. Consequently, it remains the most attractive team on the grid.
Chances are that Red Bull will then maintain this form even in 2025, so whoever gets the second seat for the 2025 season is going into the Championship contending car.
The most talked about options for Red Bull were Sergio Perez, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, and Yuki Tsunoda. However, Helmut Marko recently suggested two names on this list are most probably irrelevant.
The 80-year-old asserted that Albon's contract keeps him committed to Williams at least until the end of the season 2025, so he is not an option, and Sainz also probably wants to make his decision earlier than Red Bull does.
The Austrian also said Red Bull might very certainly consider the Mexican driver for the second seat again if he can finish second in the Championship with at least two wins.
Then there is the Honey Badger and his Japanese teammate. It was suggested that Red Bull might prefer Ricciardo; however, Marko said any of the two RB drivers could get a chance. He told Kleine Zeitung:
"For both of them, it’s not just about staying in Formula 1, but also about the possibility of a promotion to Red Bull. This applies to the person who clearly dominates the season within the team."
Apparently, the drivers have their future in their own hands going into 2024. They must show what they've got on track during the first half of the season, as Red Bull will most likely start their decision-making process around the summer break.
Do you think we will see any of the three drivers shortlisted above with the Austrian team in 2025? Or could there be some surprises that aren't talked about currently?