F1: Red Bull hold talks with both Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris about the second driver seat

Published at :July 13, 2023 at 5:42 AM

Modified at :July 13, 2023 at 5:42 AM

RB's second driver seat could be up for grabs in the near future

Red Bull's domination this year has been nothing short of extraordinary, with Max Verstappen winning almost every race of the season thus far. And although we have had other drivers and teams dominate in the past, Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, recently met with Red Bull to discuss the need for a strong teammate who can challenge Verstappen's supremacy and provide thrilling on-track battles.

According to a report by Formula1a.uno, the team has held talks with both Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc about the second Red Bull seat. Of the two, Red Bull is particularly interested in Norris, as Helmut Marko, a key figure in the team, has previously hailed him as the most promising talent. Moreover, his recent performance at Silverstone has further bolstered Marko's belief, as he showcased exceptional skills by leading the race for several laps, despite driving a less competitive car. Unfortunately, Norris recently extended his contract with McLaren until 2025, making his early departure a costly endeavor that would require a significant buyout.

However, when it comes to Charles Leclerc, rumours suggest the possibility of an escape clause in Leclerc's contract, offering Red Bull Racing a potential opportunity to secure the talented Ferrari driver.

Ricciardo's return to Red Bull?

It is no secret that Ricciardo's return to AlphaTauri is a strategic move to test him against Yuki and determine if he is a potential candidate for the second Red Bull seat, should Perez's disappointing run continue. However, with the added pressure from Liberty Media to fill the second seat with a more competitive driver, it seems Ricciardo will have to perform something magical at AlphaTauri if he wants to return to Red Bull.

Nevertheless, this is exciting news for fans who have been longing for someone to challenge Max for the wins and make the sport more interesting. Whether it will be Lando, Leclerc, or Ricciardo, all will become clear in the near future.