RED BULL are reportedly considering three replacement drivers for Sergio Perez.
The Mexican, 33, started the 2023 season positively with two wins from the opening four races – with team-mate Max Verstappen claiming the other two.
But since then, Verstappen has gone on to claim three victories in a row to take control of the world championship.
The Dutchman, 25, seeking a third consecutive title, now holds a 53-point lead over his Red Bull counterpart.
Six-time F1 Grand Prix winner Perez finished second in Miami, 16th in Monaco and fourth in Barcelona.
His contract does run until the conclusion of the 2024 season, so he would have to be paid off if his departure came at the end of this year.
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But The Mirror are reporting he could still be axed – with a trio of racers waiting in the wings.
The most logical of those is fan-favourite Daniel Ricciardo – Red Bull’s reserve driver.
The Australian, 33, lost his seat with McLaren last year and is not on the grid this season.
But he has been taken on by Red Bull as their back-up and will feature if Verstappen or Perez are unable to race.
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It leaves him in a prime position to steal Perez’s seat if the reigning constructors champions look to change things up.
However, other active drivers are also thought to be in the frame.
Britain’s Lando Norris, 23, is one man Red Bull eyed up at the beginning of last year before he penned a contract extension with McLaren until 2025.
While Red Bull would have to pay a substantial amount to get him out of his existing deal, Norris has shown himself to be a tremendously talented driver.
And with McLaren struggling for pace, it would be the perfect opportunity for the Bristol-born racer to win a Grand Prix and challenge for the title.
The third and final driver linked with Red Bull is AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda.
The Japanese youngster, 23, has been with his Italian team since 2021.
He has secured 13 points finishes during that time – including two 10th places this season in Australia and Azerbaijan.
Tsunoda, who came through the Red Bull junior programme, only has an AlphaTauri contract until the end of the 2023 season.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
