Does the Shortage of Talent in the Red Bull Program Pose Challenges for AlphaTauri?
By the conclusion of 2024, a total of 14 driver contracts will reach their expiration, with six drivers committed beyond that season. A significant Silly Season is anticipated, but what does the current outlook suggest? For the 2024 season, AlphaTauri leaned towards considerable experience, partly influenced by the scarcity of talent in Red Bull's Junior Programme. What can be expected for the 2025 season?
When are Ricciardo and Tsunoda's contracts set to end?
Following the appointments of Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies, AlphaTauri is set to take a new direction from 2024. The collaboration with Red Bull Racing is expected to enhance to optimize overall performance. The team surprised with the selection of Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda, constituting a relatively experienced lineup for the 2024 season; however, both drivers have contracts that are set to expire.
While there's a possibility that AlphaTauri may choose to retain the same duo for the 2025 season to foster continuity and potentially move up in the rankings, it cannot be discounted that both drivers are eyeing career advancements. Ricciardo aims to make an impact at Red Bull Racing, and Tsunoda appears to be in contention for a seat at Aston Martin, especially for the 2025 season.
Which drivers have the opportunity to secure the Formula 1 seat at AlphaTauri?
While the Red Bull Junior Team featured numerous drivers in 2023, Helmut Marko bid farewell to several talents for the 2024 season. As only a few appeared destined for a Formula 1 seat, the team has recruited a fresh wave of younger drivers. In the F2 series for 2024, Red Bull has enlisted Isack Hadjar and Pepe Marti. Hadjar, a rookie, secured the 14th position in the last F2 championship and served as the designated reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri when Liam Lawson withdrew.
Marti is a newcomer to the program, having caught Marko's attention by winning three races in F3 with Campos Racing. He concluded the F3 championship in fifth place and is set to prove his readiness for the next step in F2 in 2024. Both Marti and Hadjar race for Campos in F2, the team that finished ninth among constructors in 2023.
As of now, an F1 debut in 2025 appears premature for both Marti and Hadjar. Liam Lawson, who showcased his talent as Daniel Ricciardo's substitute in 2023 but did not secure a seat for 2024, aspires to qualify for an F1 seat in 2025. Lawson tops the list as a potential replacement should either of the two drop out in 2025.
Ayumu Iwasa, another talent in the Red Bull program, finished fourth in his second F2 season and will return to Japan in 2024. He will fill Liam Lawson's spot in Super Formula and aims to leave a lasting impression there.
Marko remains vigilant for talents emerging from other racing series. Although Red Bull currently lacks standout talents, the advantage lies in the immediate availability of an F1 seat. This factor could prompt individuals like Oliver Bearman (affiliated with Ferrari) and Victor Martins (aligned with Alpine) to make a switch, reminiscent of Oscar Piastri's transition from Alpine to McLaren.
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