Did Ollie Bearman and Franco Colapinto Influence Red Bull’s F1 Driver Shuffle?

Red Bull’s recent decision to replace Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season has raised many questions. While explaining this change, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner made an interesting comparison, highlighting the performances of young talents Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto.

At 22 years old, Lawson will have six races to prove that he deserves a seat for the 2025 season with Red Bull’s sister team RB, or even with the main team. He replaces Ricciardo, who was deemed underperforming this season. However, Horner revealed that the performances of F2 rising stars Bearman and Colapinto have influenced Red Bull’s thinking regarding their driver dilemma.

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner praised Bearman, who impressed while standing in for Ferrari and Haas, particularly on challenging circuits like Saudi Arabia. Despite his young age, Bearman drove like a veteran, especially when faced with his experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg. Colapinto, on the other hand, has been a true revelation. Largely unnoticed in F2, Colapinto dazzled during his few appearances with Williams, surprising many in the paddock.

“Colapinto was a complete surprise because he was almost invisible in F2. No one was talking about him,” Horner explained. “He took the wheel at Williams for a few races and was exceptional, really impressive.”

Horner also mentioned Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar, who currently leads the F2 championship with the most wins this season. Hadjar has already been named Red Bull’s official reserve driver for 2025 but could be promoted to a race seat as early as next season if Lawson fails to seize his opportunity, or if Red Bull decides to shake up the lineup by replacing Sergio Perez.

The rise of young drivers eager to prove their worth seems to be influencing Red Bull’s driver strategy. Horner praised these new talents: “These young guys are hungry, they get in the car and give it everything they’ve got.” As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Lawson, Bearman, Colapinto, and Hadjar as they aim to secure a future in Formula 1.