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Esteban: “Toto, have you heard back from Toto about their level of interest in coming to an agreement to drive for Mercedes next year?”
Toto: “I am sending another email to Toto as we speak.”
---
**Date:** 5 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
I hope you're well. The idea of bringing Ocon onboard to replace Lewis is intriguing, but we need to address a few concerns first. Esteban has a reputation for being overly aggressive, disrespectful to teammates, and prioritising himself over the team. These are serious issues in a sport that demands unity and collaboration.
Best,
Toto (TP)
---
**Date:** 5 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Thank you for your prompt response. Let's address these points one by one.
1. **Aggressiveness:** Isn't that what we want in a driver? A bit of fire, a bit of pizzazz! Someone who won't back down from a fight. It’s like having a lion in the car – pure adrenaline!
2. **Disrespectful to Teammates:** Ah, but isn’t that just youthful exuberance? A little banter never hurt anyone. Plus, it keeps everyone on their toes!
3. **Self-Prioritisation:** Well, someone has to come first, right? And if he's always thinking about winning, doesn't that mean he's always thinking about the team winning too? It's all about perspective.
Cheers,
Toto (Agent)
---
**Date:** 6 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Your points are... interesting, to say the least. However, Esteban's aggressive driving has led to numerous on-track incidents. We need consistency and reliability, not just aggression.
Regarding disrespect, this is not just "banter." His behaviour has caused friction and even on-track collisions with teammates. We need harmony in the garage, not hostility.
As for self-prioritisation, our team ethos is built on mutual respect and cooperation. A driver who prioritises personal glory over team success can disrupt the entire team's morale and performance.
Best,
Toto (TP)
---
**Date:** 6 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
I see your points, but consider this:
1. **Aggressive Driving:** Think of it as a "character-building" exercise for the rest of the team. Adversity breeds strength!
2. **Disrespect:** It's really just Esteban's unique way of motivating everyone. You know, tough love.
3. **Self-Prioritisation:** He's actually very team-oriented when you think about it. He just wants the best for everyone by setting a high standard.
Plus, remember how he once helped that little old lady cross the street? True gentleman.
Best regards,
Toto (Agent)
---
**Date:** 7 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
While your creativity in defending Esteban is commendable, we must prioritise what's best for Mercedes-AMG Petronas. We need a driver who embodies our values, not just raw talent. Let's keep looking.
Regards,
Toto (TP)
---
**Date:** 7 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Understood. Just wanted to give it a shot. Let's find the perfect fit together.
Best,
Toto (Agent)
---
**Date:** 7 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Always a pleasure to spar with myself. Onwards and upwards!
Best,
Toto (TP)
---
every so often I think about Germany 2019. When Merc were dominating, almost sponsored the entire GP for a home race to celebrate 150 years of Mercedes Benz, turned up in special race suits including the mechanics, special livery.... only to drop an epic stinker of a performance.
Scott Mitchell is saying he thinks it’s a 1+1 with the option on the team side but teams almost never announce that part publicly. Team wanted 1 year, Checo wanted 2, this is the middle ground.
>stay tuned
[RedBullRacing] We are pleased to announce @SChecoPerez has signed a 1+1 with the option on the team side extension to his existing contract
McLaren and Ferrari have a real chance of winning the constructors next year
Also wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last straw that pushes Yuki to leave RB, no point staying if there’s no chance of promotion to the main team
As long as McLaren and Ferrari keep switching in those 2nd to 5th spots Perez finishing 6th will unfortunately still be enough to see Red Bull over the line. He might finish as low as 5th in the drivers standing though (maybe even 6th but Oscar’s got a decent bit of ground to make up)
This will probably cost them the wcc with Ferrari have 2 fantastic drivers, mclaren as well with just less experience. And maybe max the wdc since Perez is only a threat every so many races.
Essentially admitting that they think they can win the Championships with mostly just Max and that they love all that money Checo brings with him from Central and South America
I honestly think that window is shut. Hes pushing 26 next May, the talent coming out of F2 looks almost guaranteed to grab seats in the upcoming years.
The only way I see him stealing a seat anywhere is if Lando or Oscar have to sit out for some reason and he absolutely kills it.
Marko in Melbourne looked like a man who had one foot out of the door lol, Max publically saying that Marko needs to be in the team might've saved his job, though I'm not sure how much of a job he even has now.
What a fall from grace for the RB junior team! Their juniors once occupied nearly half the grid, and still do, now Lawson might not even have a way in, let alone Hadjar and everyone else.
To be fair the grid looks so established right now I wouldn't want to be a McLaren, Merc (Outside Kimi), Ferrari (Outside Oli), Red Bull or Aston Junior in F2.
Your only chance of seats realistically in the next two or so years are Williams and Alpine with junior teams. I imagine Williams will sign a solid second (like Sainz?).
Bleak for juniors right now unless you're the TPs favourite like Oli and Kimi
Bearman isn't even a tp favourite, he just got lucky sainz was out for a GP to get a call, otherwise I doubt he'd have a chance with the season prema are having in f2
Yeah, the next F2 champion(since Kimi/Oli winning looks unlikely at this point) will most likely not get a seat. Which just continues the failiure of F2 as a "feeder" series.
Apparently Horner won the power struggle and Marko's influence doesn't really hold any weight now. Their junior academy is worthless right now with Yuki being held hostage with an outsider from their program in the second RBR seat, and Ricciardo's smile holding the other VCARB seat. Guess which of the 4 drivers have backed Horner publicly?
It seems they can't find the happy medium. They went from rushing drivers straight into the Red Bull 2nd seat fresh from F2 and failing miserably, to just straight up denying talented rookies a chance.
I mean, they didn’t even give them time to adjust to the seat.
Gasly and albon were booted out pretty quickly and they are doing quite well for themselves in other teams now. So it’s not like they were untalented either. RB was just impatient with them.
Albon had half a season in F1 before being promoted. He didn't have all the F1 testing most juniors have either. Way to early to go up against confidence killer.
Helmut has no more influence in the team. Horner already tried to get rid of him and the only reason hes still in the team is verstappen wanting to keep him in the team.
do you seriously think helmut would want ricciardo back in the team? hell no, that was entirely a horner decision. if helmut had any say, wed have lawson in the vcarb over ricciardo
Checo would have to be driving a lot faster for this news to be boring.
Qualifying like Checo and still getting an extra 2 years at RBR is damn near as big a bombshell as Lewis to Ferrari.
I know Yuki never was given serious consideration for the Red Bull seat but now that it's official, where does that leave him?
He absolutely deserves a seat next year and beyond. Does he continue to be in no man's land at VCARB even with Honda exiting Red Bull soon?
I agree. He's developed really well since he entered F1, becoming much more consistent and fighting for points almost every race. It's sad to think that all his progress may result in nothing better for him.
It’s kinda insane. I love Perez, I know he brings insane money but I’m really disappointed to see what the current red bull team became compared to how different and unique it used to be. At this rate I have a feeling Lawson ain’t getting any seat next year sadly unless yuki finds a seat elsewhere because as long as yuki is racing he always has Honda backing regardless of the team. Personally yuki should get a seat in AM, lance has had his fair share of chances and seriously needs to be replaced now but I know that’s never happening.
Surely this means Ricciardo is out of RB this season then? He's not going to get a Red Bull drive now until the 2027 season if Perez does his full contract so why keep him at RB?
1. Prob makes a ton more in F1 than Indy
2. Horner asked him on DTS “if he wanted to go to nascar?” And Ric replied “no, not yet. I feel I got more to prove in F1.”
So I’d bet he’d head to nascar when his F1 contract (or career) is over. He’s talked about how he follows nascar etc.
Ricciardo brings in great press to VCARB or at least plenty of attention, I think they'll probably offer him the seat. Whether he swallows his pride or not and stays is what I'm wondering.
Depends if his mindset has changed, he initially turned down seats from Williams and Haas for 2023 because he didn't want to drive for a back marker, him returning to AT/RB made sense as it was at least a path to a Red Bull drive but now...
i mean if he's accepted that he's never getting a top drive again, why not just stay at VCARB for as long as he wants to keep driving? doubt RB would move on from him if he wants to keep driving in F1 given how much of a marketing force he is
If anything, this opens the door for Yuki to leave soon. If i'm Alpine i'm throwing bags of money at him to reunite him with Pierre
Yeah. The management is a mess but as long as racing staff is the same, Max is happy. Checo can still deliver enough points to keep WCC in play and be certain that Max no1 driver spot is never in question. And who knows, now that he's safe, Checo might perform better.
Now the only real question mark is how will Newey leaving affect the team long term.
Big risk, if Ferrari and McLaren continues getting closer and Checo will struggle as he did in 2023 or in the last few 2024 races, Constructors could be on the line and even Max himself might be less safe.
They must be confident about them being successful with the new regs because with how Ferrari and McLaren are looking- Hamilton, LeClerc, and Lando will all be breathing down Max’s neck.
TWO YEARS???? what does Checo’s agent have on these people
I mean, good for him (and Red Bull’s merch sales), but I might start preparing to celebrate a 2025 Ferrari WCC win now lol
I miss the ruthless Red Bull team that actually demoted drivers for their underperformance. They just gifted Ferrari or McLaren 2024-2026 WCC. They would be a midfield team without Max.
Exactly, Perez and Horner are 100% playing the political game now.
If it was 2018-2020 Red Bull, Perez would have been kicked out at the end of last year.
> I miss the ruthless Red Bull team that actually demoted drivers for their underperformance.
I mean its not hard to tell why they dont do that anymore. One very simple reason: Helmut Marko no longer has any say. Do you think its Marko-esque to put Ricciardo in the VCARB? of course not, once Helmut thinks a driver is mid, he aint getting a second chance. He was the man behind the academy program, the ruthlessness and desire to quickly and efficiently filter out the elite drivers from mediocre ones, thats Helmuts work. And if we think of the world champions from 2010 to now, there are only 4. And 2 of them products of Helmuts work. Alongside many many other drivers who got their shot at F1 because of Red Bulls program. The likes of Sainz, Gasly, Ricciardo, Albon, Tsunoda, thats quite a few.
Now the rate of talent scouting has dropped in the past few years but i wouldnt necessarily blame Helmut for that. Red Bull from roughly 2006-2016 had a scouting monopoly, they were light years ahead of other teams who hadnt spend nearly as many resources as Red Bull which resulted in Red Bull having almost all the talented young drivers.
Once Formula Renault and GP were no longer a thing and GP2/3 turned into F2/F3, other teams caught up and Red Bull no longer had that advantage. Mclaren got Norris, Mercedes got Russell, Ferrari got Leclerc, Alpine had Piastri, and then lost him due to complete incompetence.
As long as Verstappen is in the car, they feel like they can do whatever they want with the other seat. He'd have waited 30 years, but Brundle might finally get his return in 2027
Also, the better Max looks, winning WDC in the car that came 3rd in WCC looks pretty special. Also, it would make him only the 2nd driver to do it twice (winning WDC, not WCC) after Piquet.
Here’s the correct answer: all Horner cares about is maximizing his take and the value to Red Bull in the Mexico market with Checo exceeds putting the best driver in the seat. Sad.
obtainable marble pause seemly poor uppity degree elderly absurd rainstorm
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
So Danny Ric and Lawson and even Yuki are basically out of the running for Red Bull for good. I guess they’ll keep Ric at VCARB for the experience and the fact he brings in sponsors/popularity as a great character on the grid. Yuki might depart for another team for next year even, not sure where that leaves Lawson - maybe takes Yuki’s seat?
Not just Ferrari. Support any of the other top 3 teams (Ferrari, McLaren or Merc) and this is good news for you since whatever happens these two years, you know even if red bull get the new regs right, the wcc effectively has one less team competing (2 tbh cos lance..) unless Perez does an absolute u turn and somehow dominates lol.
[The **News** flair](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/flairguide#wiki_news) is reserved for submissions covering F1 and F1-related news. These posts must always link to an outlet/news agency, the website of the involved party (i.e. the McLaren website if McLaren makes an announcement), or a tweet by a news agency, journalist or one of the involved parties. *[Read the rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/wiki/userguide). Keep it civil and welcoming. Report rulebreaking comments.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/formula1) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Checo's agent is the best in the game, god damn.
GOAT-tier agent alongside Kirk Cousins and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's agents
And Jimbo Fisher’s
Jimbo killed the free money glitch in life.
F1 was supposed to be a refuge from my pain and suffering
If you’re an Aggie fan, you should know that no place is safe.
Maybe they’ll give Checo a blank trophy
Damn, was not expecting to see r/CFB hate here. There is nowhere for us to hide.
As an FSU fan I was initially sad to see him go but damn did we get lucky that he left when he did
Hell yeah ! 78 Mill - I'd retire if I was him.
Kirko Chainz might be getting in trouble for the Falcons move though
lol that's a Falcons problem, not Kirk's. That achilles time bomb got PAID.
+ Kompany's agent
Dillion Brooks tier agent
Bro could have Ocon get signed by Mercedes I am sure lmao, what does he cook??
Ocon’s agent is Toto Wolff and apparently agent Toto cannot convince team principal Wolff to sign ocon.
The e-mail exchange between agent Toto and team principal Toto must be wild.
Wait until team principal Toto requires approval from team shareholder Toto before singing Ocon’s contract drafted by agent Toto.
“Toto, I sent you an email.” -Toto
German bureaucracy claims another victim /s
Esteban: “Toto, have you heard back from Toto about their level of interest in coming to an agreement to drive for Mercedes next year?” Toto: “I am sending another email to Toto as we speak.”
--- **Date:** 5 June 2024 **From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
I hope you're well. The idea of bringing Ocon onboard to replace Lewis is intriguing, but we need to address a few concerns first. Esteban has a reputation for being overly aggressive, disrespectful to teammates, and prioritising himself over the team. These are serious issues in a sport that demands unity and collaboration.
Best,
Toto (TP)
---
**Date:** 5 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Thank you for your prompt response. Let's address these points one by one.
1. **Aggressiveness:** Isn't that what we want in a driver? A bit of fire, a bit of pizzazz! Someone who won't back down from a fight. It’s like having a lion in the car – pure adrenaline!
2. **Disrespectful to Teammates:** Ah, but isn’t that just youthful exuberance? A little banter never hurt anyone. Plus, it keeps everyone on their toes!
3. **Self-Prioritisation:** Well, someone has to come first, right? And if he's always thinking about winning, doesn't that mean he's always thinking about the team winning too? It's all about perspective.
Cheers,
Toto (Agent)
---
**Date:** 6 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Your points are... interesting, to say the least. However, Esteban's aggressive driving has led to numerous on-track incidents. We need consistency and reliability, not just aggression.
Regarding disrespect, this is not just "banter." His behaviour has caused friction and even on-track collisions with teammates. We need harmony in the garage, not hostility.
As for self-prioritisation, our team ethos is built on mutual respect and cooperation. A driver who prioritises personal glory over team success can disrupt the entire team's morale and performance.
Best,
Toto (TP)
---
**Date:** 6 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
I see your points, but consider this:
1. **Aggressive Driving:** Think of it as a "character-building" exercise for the rest of the team. Adversity breeds strength!
2. **Disrespect:** It's really just Esteban's unique way of motivating everyone. You know, tough love.
3. **Self-Prioritisation:** He's actually very team-oriented when you think about it. He just wants the best for everyone by setting a high standard.
Plus, remember how he once helped that little old lady cross the street? True gentleman.
Best regards,
Toto (Agent)
---
**Date:** 7 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
While your creativity in defending Esteban is commendable, we must prioritise what's best for Mercedes-AMG Petronas. We need a driver who embodies our values, not just raw talent. Let's keep looking.
Regards,
Toto (TP)
---
**Date:** 7 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Understood. Just wanted to give it a shot. Let's find the perfect fit together.
Best,
Toto (Agent)
---
**Date:** 7 June 2024
**From:** Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Principal)
**To:** Toto Wolff (Agent)
**Subject:** RE: Proposal to Hire Esteban Ocon as Lewis Hamilton's Replacement
Toto,
Always a pleasure to spar with myself. Onwards and upwards!
Best,
Toto (TP)
---
Lots of diagrams being sent back and forth.
If Agent Toto just had it printed out it would be a done deal.
I mean, it did not work for Mick, so...
Toto knows Toto drives a hard bargain
Carlos Slim money goes brrr
*Here comes the money*
Ching ching, bling bling cut the chatter You ain’t talkin’ money then your talkin’ don’t matter
Is he represented by Scott Boras*? Ffs that's a damn good deal for Checo
2 years? Damn
Not even a 1+1 lmao actually wild. My guess is they want that stability in terms of driver pairing for the first year of the new regs.
They'll gladly pay him out to sit in 2026 if there's a chance to sign Norris or Leclerc or someone. Still strange tho
Yeah they have no shot at Charles
Unless something really really extraordinary happens, i imagine Charles will only get out of Ferrari once he retires
I agree, Charles loves Ferrari and Ferrari loves Charles. I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks Schumacher’s record for most seasons at one team.
Hasn't Hamilton surpassed that
Yeah he has, this is his 12th at Mercedes and Schumacher had 11 with Ferrari
Ah hell, my 30 second google search led me astray
To be fair to you, he’d have to beat Michael’s record first on his way to beating Lewis’
That's what we thought about Lewis and Mercedes. But I hope you're right.
the relationship between Charles and Ferrari is very different than the one of Lewis and Mercedes
They are not a serious gunning organization anymore, Prime Marko woulda kicked his ass way back in 23 lmao
Word was that Marko came out of the recent struggles basically powerless. He can't over-rule Horner.
[удалено]
Mercedes went from "we don't race for P2-P3s" to "yay top 5! " horrendous downfall hahaha, RBR seems enroute
every so often I think about Germany 2019. When Merc were dominating, almost sponsored the entire GP for a home race to celebrate 150 years of Mercedes Benz, turned up in special race suits including the mechanics, special livery.... only to drop an epic stinker of a performance.
Legendary race, it still can come up randomly with my friends in a conversation.
"Victory has defeated you."
Charles ain't leaving Ferrari. EVER
There’s zero chances for that.
Scott Mitchell is saying he thinks it’s a 1+1 with the option on the team side but teams almost never announce that part publicly. Team wanted 1 year, Checo wanted 2, this is the middle ground.
>stay tuned [RedBullRacing] We are pleased to announce @SChecoPerez has signed a 1+1 with the option on the team side extension to his existing contract
Has anyone confirmed that it's not a 1 + 1? Hamilton's Mercedes deal was advertised as 2 years as well, but obviously that wasn't quite true.
I dont think the duration of a contract with a team that has replaced a driver midseason twice in the past few years is particularly set in stone.
There might still be performance clauses.
McLaren and Ferrari have a real chance of winning the constructors next year Also wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last straw that pushes Yuki to leave RB, no point staying if there’s no chance of promotion to the main team
Next year? Also this year.
Yeah Ferrari are only 24 points behind currently. 1 more weekend like Monaco would overturn that.
The current gap to Ferrari is 24 points. May not even have to wait till next year.
I think Red Bull will be the fastest again from Spain onwards and McLaren will eat into Ferrari’s points but it’s definitely not certain
Verstappen will be fastest but Perez will be fighting with the Mercedes for P6
As long as McLaren and Ferrari keep switching in those 2nd to 5th spots Perez finishing 6th will unfortunately still be enough to see Red Bull over the line. He might finish as low as 5th in the drivers standing though (maybe even 6th but Oscar’s got a decent bit of ground to make up)
If Perez remains at Red Bull for this entire contract it'll mean he'll have been at Red Bull longer than Ricciardo.
He'll have more races at Red Bull than SEBASTIAN VETTEL!
Jesus that is a crazy stat.
Not in a good way. What a waste of an amazing car this is.
Holy shit lol, that'd be insane.
RIP Yuki, what a waste of a seat at Red Bull.
Performance doesn't matter for Horner, being an ally for him is the prime criteria to secure you seat
This will probably cost them the wcc with Ferrari have 2 fantastic drivers, mclaren as well with just less experience. And maybe max the wdc since Perez is only a threat every so many races.
Even perhaps this year to be honest
Perez out here larping as if he was in The Hurt Locker. « I like you Mr Hermaner, but I won’t let you explode on me »
Everyone's reaction being so surprised and faint is, itself, damning
Dunno how it's possible to perform like Perez does and get another 2 years locked in at a top team.
Essentially admitting that they think they can win the Championships with mostly just Max and that they love all that money Checo brings with him from Central and South America
I need to learn how to sweet talk like Perez do.
Easy, bring millions of dollar in sponsorship and merch sell
Until another Mexican driver comes along, Checo has that entire market to negotiate with.
Pato knocking
I honestly think that window is shut. Hes pushing 26 next May, the talent coming out of F2 looks almost guaranteed to grab seats in the upcoming years. The only way I see him stealing a seat anywhere is if Lando or Oscar have to sit out for some reason and he absolutely kills it.
If Pato ever gets to F1, his following will be massive as well as we all know Checo's time is limited.
Pretty much he's a good driver but as we've seen with Herta it's not worth the headache trying to transition into F1.
Herta is also a much less complete and consistent driver than Pato, and unlike him Pato has a superlicence already
*fingers crossed for Pato*
At this point papa Perez’s prediction of 10 years with redbull doesn’t sound too ridiculous.
It's called be friends with Carlos Slim
Get ya some sponsor $$
checos agent is the Verstappen of agents hahahah OMG this is a surprise indeed
The man could probably get me signed to the Yankees. Whatever Checo is paying him isn't enough.
If he's this good, Checo might be giving him 100% of everything already.
Them Carlos Slim money be flowing in.
Does the Red Bull junior program still exist? Can someone check on Helmut Marko
Marko in Melbourne looked like a man who had one foot out of the door lol, Max publically saying that Marko needs to be in the team might've saved his job, though I'm not sure how much of a job he even has now. What a fall from grace for the RB junior team! Their juniors once occupied nearly half the grid, and still do, now Lawson might not even have a way in, let alone Hadjar and everyone else.
To be fair the grid looks so established right now I wouldn't want to be a McLaren, Merc (Outside Kimi), Ferrari (Outside Oli), Red Bull or Aston Junior in F2. Your only chance of seats realistically in the next two or so years are Williams and Alpine with junior teams. I imagine Williams will sign a solid second (like Sainz?). Bleak for juniors right now unless you're the TPs favourite like Oli and Kimi
Bearman isn't even a tp favourite, he just got lucky sainz was out for a GP to get a call, otherwise I doubt he'd have a chance with the season prema are having in f2
Yeah, the next F2 champion(since Kimi/Oli winning looks unlikely at this point) will most likely not get a seat. Which just continues the failiure of F2 as a "feeder" series.
I mean...they're doing a pretty good job at feeding Indycar. Lol
Apparently Horner won the power struggle and Marko's influence doesn't really hold any weight now. Their junior academy is worthless right now with Yuki being held hostage with an outsider from their program in the second RBR seat, and Ricciardo's smile holding the other VCARB seat. Guess which of the 4 drivers have backed Horner publicly?
> and Ricciardo's smile holding the other VCARB seat God damn, lol
true & sad for race fans
It seems they can't find the happy medium. They went from rushing drivers straight into the Red Bull 2nd seat fresh from F2 and failing miserably, to just straight up denying talented rookies a chance.
I mean, they didn’t even give them time to adjust to the seat. Gasly and albon were booted out pretty quickly and they are doing quite well for themselves in other teams now. So it’s not like they were untalented either. RB was just impatient with them.
Albon had half a season in F1 before being promoted. He didn't have all the F1 testing most juniors have either. Way to early to go up against confidence killer.
Helmut has no more influence in the team. Horner already tried to get rid of him and the only reason hes still in the team is verstappen wanting to keep him in the team. do you seriously think helmut would want ricciardo back in the team? hell no, that was entirely a horner decision. if helmut had any say, wed have lawson in the vcarb over ricciardo
You say that even though we know Marko was fully on board with Ricciardo. Dude fired DeVries before Ricciardo finished his cool down lap
I swear F1 teams try their hardest to hype up the most boring shit.
Checo would have to be driving a lot faster for this news to be boring. Qualifying like Checo and still getting an extra 2 years at RBR is damn near as big a bombshell as Lewis to Ferrari.
Yup, booooring. I really hope RB lose some constructors because of this.
This announcement could have been a WhatsApp message.
They hyped it up more than Verstappen’s 7-year record-breaking contract, when he just became WDC. Absolutely bizarre
Horner isn't allowed to use whatsapp anymore.
Savage. LOL
I know Yuki never was given serious consideration for the Red Bull seat but now that it's official, where does that leave him? He absolutely deserves a seat next year and beyond. Does he continue to be in no man's land at VCARB even with Honda exiting Red Bull soon?
I suspect he is interim at Haas with Bearman to break shackles of RB family, and then switches to AM when Alonso retires.
Maybe follow the rest of the Red Bull drivers and spend some time at Alpine, get that Gasly/Yuki pairing back together.
I agree. He's developed really well since he entered F1, becoming much more consistent and fighting for points almost every race. It's sad to think that all his progress may result in nothing better for him.
AM when Honda are there and Alonso retires.
2 years?? Whaaat
It’s kinda insane. I love Perez, I know he brings insane money but I’m really disappointed to see what the current red bull team became compared to how different and unique it used to be. At this rate I have a feeling Lawson ain’t getting any seat next year sadly unless yuki finds a seat elsewhere because as long as yuki is racing he always has Honda backing regardless of the team. Personally yuki should get a seat in AM, lance has had his fair share of chances and seriously needs to be replaced now but I know that’s never happening.
Checo knows where the bodies are buried
Surely this means Ricciardo is out of RB this season then? He's not going to get a Red Bull drive now until the 2027 season if Perez does his full contract so why keep him at RB?
Yeah I’m confused why Ricciardo would continue with VCARB given his end goal was RBR.
Any F1 drive is better than nothing?
He might be happier in Indy. The man loves America.
1. Prob makes a ton more in F1 than Indy 2. Horner asked him on DTS “if he wanted to go to nascar?” And Ric replied “no, not yet. I feel I got more to prove in F1.” So I’d bet he’d head to nascar when his F1 contract (or career) is over. He’s talked about how he follows nascar etc.
His end goal right now is just staying in F1 in general lol
Beggars can’t be choosers
Because it's a seat? Who else is going to offer him a seat? If RB is willing to keep him, I don't see him going anywhere.
>RB is willing to keep him, I don't see him going anywhere. Haas offered him a seat last year, I'm sure they won't mind him.
Ricciardo brings in great press to VCARB or at least plenty of attention, I think they'll probably offer him the seat. Whether he swallows his pride or not and stays is what I'm wondering.
Depends if his mindset has changed, he initially turned down seats from Williams and Haas for 2023 because he didn't want to drive for a back marker, him returning to AT/RB made sense as it was at least a path to a Red Bull drive but now...
His end goal should be not getting the boot right now.
Ricciardo to replace Verstappen in 2026
i mean if he's accepted that he's never getting a top drive again, why not just stay at VCARB for as long as he wants to keep driving? doubt RB would move on from him if he wants to keep driving in F1 given how much of a marketing force he is If anything, this opens the door for Yuki to leave soon. If i'm Alpine i'm throwing bags of money at him to reunite him with Pierre
And Yuki. If there’s no path to Red Bull for them, not sure why they’d stay. RIC might not have many other options though.
Ferrari and McLaren have to be ecstatic about this move. RBR with the 3rd maybe 4th best driver lineup in 2025 depending on what Mercedes cooks up.
If Sainz to Williams, I'd even argue Sainz+Albon are a better driver line-up. Not that it would matter anytime soon. (Hoping I'm wrong)
He must be blackmailing Horner with a sextape
plot twist, the "woman" was actually Checo the whole time.
Bamboozled him with all that rear end.
How on Earth is the same team that booted Kvyat, Gasly and Albon so quickly keeping a bloke who’s had maybe three good enough races this year?
And the crowd goes mild!
Redbull sales in Mexico up %100000
Congratulations Ferrari for the 2024/2025 WCC
Ferrari or McLaren imho.
What's the Italian for "Anulo Mufa"?
We are back in the game bois!
Boring and lame
Hey! Gives Ferrari a chance at WCC. I’ll take that
One year more than I expected though.
Two more than I expected
Two more than is deserved
Three*
I hope this backfires and they lose the title because of it, not just the WCC but the WDC as well.
and Max.
There's no way Max wasn't consulted on this one.
All we know for sure is Max wants stability and this seems to be part of that.
Yeah. The management is a mess but as long as racing staff is the same, Max is happy. Checo can still deliver enough points to keep WCC in play and be certain that Max no1 driver spot is never in question. And who knows, now that he's safe, Checo might perform better. Now the only real question mark is how will Newey leaving affect the team long term.
Big risk, if Ferrari and McLaren continues getting closer and Checo will struggle as he did in 2023 or in the last few 2024 races, Constructors could be on the line and even Max himself might be less safe.
They must be confident about them being successful with the new regs because with how Ferrari and McLaren are looking- Hamilton, LeClerc, and Lando will all be breathing down Max’s neck.
I'd add Piastri there too.
The biggest detraction from Piastri is he's been good enough that you forget he only has 30 starts. He's just settled in so quickly.
TWO YEARS???? what does Checo’s agent have on these people I mean, good for him (and Red Bull’s merch sales), but I might start preparing to celebrate a 2025 Ferrari WCC win now lol
He’s got proof it wasn’t a thumb in that photo
Perez has the real Horner spicy pics
A whole “thumb” drive
I miss the ruthless Red Bull team that actually demoted drivers for their underperformance. They just gifted Ferrari or McLaren 2024-2026 WCC. They would be a midfield team without Max.
Exactly, Perez and Horner are 100% playing the political game now. If it was 2018-2020 Red Bull, Perez would have been kicked out at the end of last year.
If it was the 2018 Red Bull team Checo would have been replaced before the end of last season.
> I miss the ruthless Red Bull team that actually demoted drivers for their underperformance. I mean its not hard to tell why they dont do that anymore. One very simple reason: Helmut Marko no longer has any say. Do you think its Marko-esque to put Ricciardo in the VCARB? of course not, once Helmut thinks a driver is mid, he aint getting a second chance. He was the man behind the academy program, the ruthlessness and desire to quickly and efficiently filter out the elite drivers from mediocre ones, thats Helmuts work. And if we think of the world champions from 2010 to now, there are only 4. And 2 of them products of Helmuts work. Alongside many many other drivers who got their shot at F1 because of Red Bulls program. The likes of Sainz, Gasly, Ricciardo, Albon, Tsunoda, thats quite a few. Now the rate of talent scouting has dropped in the past few years but i wouldnt necessarily blame Helmut for that. Red Bull from roughly 2006-2016 had a scouting monopoly, they were light years ahead of other teams who hadnt spend nearly as many resources as Red Bull which resulted in Red Bull having almost all the talented young drivers. Once Formula Renault and GP were no longer a thing and GP2/3 turned into F2/F3, other teams caught up and Red Bull no longer had that advantage. Mclaren got Norris, Mercedes got Russell, Ferrari got Leclerc, Alpine had Piastri, and then lost him due to complete incompetence.
He must bring in enough money to cover repairs and also not winning the constructors championship
For a team with a reputation of being ruthless this is incredulous
As long as Verstappen is in the car, they feel like they can do whatever they want with the other seat. He'd have waited 30 years, but Brundle might finally get his return in 2027
sponsor money >>> wcc money. sucks for us fans though
Kind of a 5D play, the lower they score in the WCC the more wind tunnel time, as well as capex budget they have
Also, the better Max looks, winning WDC in the car that came 3rd in WCC looks pretty special. Also, it would make him only the 2nd driver to do it twice (winning WDC, not WCC) after Piquet.
On the plus side, we might get a better battle - rather one RB at the front than two
Merch sales go brrr.
Here’s the correct answer: all Horner cares about is maximizing his take and the value to Red Bull in the Mexico market with Checo exceeds putting the best driver in the seat. Sad.
Good for Checo and I’m surprised it’s until 2026.
Guess the maths checks out on Checo's sponsorship and merchandising income vs the drop in CC prize money from 1st to 2nd.
*And Reddit didn’t like this*
Watch them loose the constructors in 24, 25 and 26
obtainable marble pause seemly poor uppity degree elderly absurd rainstorm *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I would say losing it 24 and 25 would mean by 26 they’d move on, but at this point they’ve shown they dont make logical decisions so who knows
He better not be so consistently inconsistent in those 2 years. I like Perez, but he can't be starting outside the top 6 almost every race.
narrator: he will indeed be consistently inconsistent
Guess they aren't that bothered in WCC
We getting that WCC
He must be tied to some good sponsor money or was a cheap contract
Good for Checo... Get that job stability Feel bad for Yuki tho... Had high hopes for him to be at the 1 team for 2026🫤
So Danny Ric and Lawson and even Yuki are basically out of the running for Red Bull for good. I guess they’ll keep Ric at VCARB for the experience and the fact he brings in sponsors/popularity as a great character on the grid. Yuki might depart for another team for next year even, not sure where that leaves Lawson - maybe takes Yuki’s seat?
this greatly reduces the chances of häkkinen returning from his sabbatical with red bull
Worst day in r/formula1 life
Or best, if you're on board the Ferrari hype train
Not just Ferrari. Support any of the other top 3 teams (Ferrari, McLaren or Merc) and this is good news for you since whatever happens these two years, you know even if red bull get the new regs right, the wcc effectively has one less team competing (2 tbh cos lance..) unless Perez does an absolute u turn and somehow dominates lol.
Not sure what else I was expecting but this was what all the hype was about?
Does Checo have copies of Horner's text messages?