Herbert: Colapinto is more impressive than Lawson and Tsunoda

Johnny Herbert predicted last month that Red Bull would soon have to decide on Sergio Perez’s future, but even though a decision has already been made behind the scenes, Helmut Marko assured that the Mexican will contest all remaining races of the season.

But Herbert, a former Formula 1 driver who now occasionally serves as the FIA’s third steward, is convinced Red Bull should take a look at Franco Colapinto.

Milton Keynes is already rumored to be eyeing the young Argentinian, but he is under contract with Williams so other teams will have to pay if they want to sign him before 2025. Judging by expert estimates, the amount cannot be less than $20 million.

But Colapinto is backed by Argentinian sponsors, so if Red Bull shows real interest in Franco, the parties may be able to reach an agreement.

“There is talk about replacing Sergio Perez, how much sponsorship money he brings to the team and whether Colapinto can do the same with his Argentinian sponsors,” Herbert said in an interview with Vision4Sport. “It’s entirely possible that this could all work.”

Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunrda are doing very well and RB has two good riders. But if you look at Colapinto and what he achieves in a Williams car, which is not as fast as the RB, he is more impressive. If you listen to what they say to him in the paddock, it is Franco who should be given a chance.

All three – Lawson, Tsunoda and Colapinto – have already proven their speed. It took Yuki a little longer, but RB continues to work with him and now he is showing results. In Brazil he had no luck, although he had a chance to reach the podium.

Liam quickly got used to driving the RB car, doing very well in qualifying but also showing good pace in the races. Unlike these two drivers, Colapinto does not have a contract until 2025, but in our opinion he more than deserves a chance. I would like him to have this opportunity.”

The point is primarily that one of the Visa RB drivers will be promoted and transferred to Red Bull Racing to replace Perez, while Colapinto will try on the Visa RB uniform. However, Red Bull’s management may have their own plans in this regard, because their youth program driver Isaac Hajjar is one of the main contenders for the Formula 2 title, and Milton Keynes could well bet on him.