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After a disappointing start to his Qatar Grand Prix weekend, Sergio Perez\u2019s season is fizzling out in a worrying fashion, reigniting the debate about his short-term Red Bull future and opening up the conversation about potential replacements on the grid.<\/p>\n
Checo is contracted with Red Bull for 2024 and while team principal Christian Horner has been adamant that the Mexican driver will see out his contract with the team, his performances are becoming a major point of concern for the Milton Keynes-based team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The most touted potential successor for Perez when he does depart the Red Bull set-up has been Lando Norris with the 23-year-old already having secured four second-place finishes in 2023 and pushing Max Verstappen close on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n
However, while Red Bull\u2019s interest in Norris is legitimate, Horner has voiced some concerns about the effect his arrival could have on the team\u2019s dynamics. Speaking to Sky Sports<\/em> earlier this season about the idea of having two \u2018number one drivers\u2019 in the team, the 49-year-old made his feelings clear.<\/p>\n Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive F1 news.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Lando Norris shows true colours after Piastri gets first career win before him[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIf you put two extreme alphas in a team it\u2019ll tear the team apart,\u201d Horner explained. \u201cSo you always want to achieve I think the right balance. That\u2019s one of the biggest lessons that I\u2019ve learned.\u201d<\/p>\n With Verstappen currently showing no signs of needing another potential race-winning driver alongside him to pick up the slack, if Red Bull are confident that they can maintain their advantage over the rest of their rivals then there is no need to risk upsetting the balance by bringing Norris in to challenge the Dutchman.<\/p>\n More F1… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Instead, Red Bull could be persuaded to look towards Oscar Piastri. McLaren\u2019s star rookie has been one of the breakthrough talents of the season, finishing on the front row in the sprint race in Belgium, notching his maiden podium finish in Japan and then pipping Verstappen to the victory in the sprint in Qatar.<\/p>\n While he is tied down with McLaren until 2026 after signing a new long-term contract this summer, by the time Perez\u2019s stint with Red Bull comes to an end in 2024 the young Aussie may be prepared to take the leap.<\/p>\n Piastri is already providing fierce competition for fellow Red Bull target Norris in his rookie season, showcasing talent not dissimilar to that of the 23-year-old. Adding to that, the Australian driver is a much more mellowed personality and would be unlikely to cause fireworks with Verstappen during his early years with the team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oscar Piastri laughs at Qatar GP blunder as Lando Norris left frustrated[MCLAREN] <\/strong>
Nico Rosberg brutally calls out Lance Stroll after awkward Qatar GP TV interview[STROLL] <\/strong>
Lewis Hamilton clarifies true impact of Toto Wolff absence after \u2018BS claims\u2019[MERCEDES] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/Oscar-Piastri-5000689.jpg?r=1696798332975\")
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