The 2023 Formula 1 season has seen some of the best races so far, with Charles Leclerc fighting Max Verstappen for race wins. Charles Leclerc who has been a driver for Ferrari was almost his entire career has gained a lot of attention. After his race at the Austrian Grand Prix where he had managed to overtake Max Verstappen for a few laps. He had received a lot of praise and some might be from the Red Bull team themselves.
As Leclerc proves his mark in the races, Red Bull sets their eyes on the driver. Although there have been talks of Sergio Perez getting replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. But now that Daniel has been set to replace Nyck de Vries, Sergio Perez’s seat seems safe. But as his contract comes to an end by 2024, and his poor performances, Charles Leclerc might become his successor.
🚨 | Liberty Media wants Red Bull to have 2 top drivers so there can be a fight even if they are dominant
Red Bull wants to create a dream team in 2025-2026 so that they would have a top driver next to Max Verstappen
Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are RB’s targets 👀 pic.twitter.com/bNCtTaL1mU
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) July 12, 2023
Although Helmut Marko had been on record that Sergio would not be losing his seat. It looks like he might still be keeping an eye out for new addition to the team. Red Bull has been keeping an eye on Charles Leclerc as he shows incredible performance with the Ferrari car. And they might also be hinting at his arrival in the team. Although Leclerc is the main driver for his team he may not be up to being the second driver to Max Verstappen.
Is Charles Leclerc set to be Red Bull’s second driver?
Red Bull seem to have made up their mind when it comes to their second driver though. When Sergio Perez leaves his Red Bull seat in 2024, Leclerc might be persuaded to join Red Bull. And the Red Bull team does not seem to have been hiding it. The TikTok account of Red Bull Racing posted a TikTok of Sergio Perez. A filter was on his head as it stopped on Charles Leclerc. The caption read, “You’re next Charles Leclerc”.
And fans think that Red Bull has been leaving subtle hints of Charles Leclerc joining the Red Bull team replacing Sergio Perez. One fan on Twitter said, “OMG ???? I didn’t realize they did this”
OMG ???? I didn’t realise they did this
— mimmyy🌷 (@e_mmonlight_) July 12, 2023
and another fan said, “They were giving us hints”
they were giving us hints😭
— mimmyy🌷 (@e_mmonlight_) July 12, 2023
Redbull’s foreshadowing powers need to be studied.
— S (@carpediemm_18) July 12, 2023
Although a lot of fans seem to be supportive and would love to see Leclerc in equal machinery as Max Verstappen. Some fans have expressed that he might not leave Ferrari after all. And some saying that he might move to Mercedes.
But Helmut Marko has shut down rumors of Sergio Perez’s departure himself. There is no official confirmation of whether Charles Leclerc will be joining Red Bull. So far it seems Leclerc has enjoyed his privilege as the first Ferrari driver. Therefore, it is hard to tell what the next steps may be.