Red Bull urged to replace Perez with young star

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Red Bull should replace Sergio Perez with Argentinian sensation Franco Colapinto. 

The Williams driver has been linked with a move to the Milton Keynes-based team to partner Max Verstappen; however, RacingNews365 understands a $20 million fee will need to be paid by Red Bull.

Liam Lawson is another contender, whilst Yuki Tsunoda is a big outsider, as both drivers have performed well for RB recently. 

What gives Colapinto the edge, in Herbert's opinion, is that the Williams driver has been fast in a weaker package and has strong financial backing.

“There has been chatter about Sergio Perez being replaced, what Sergio brings to the team in terms of sponsorship and whether Colapinto could do the same with his Argentine sponsors and that would work out," Herbert told Vision4Sport.

“Both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have done a really good job. RB have two good drivers but if you look at Colapinto and what he has achieved in the Williams which is not quite as good as the RB car, he has impressed more.

“When you listen to what you hear in the paddock, Colapinto is the one who needs to get the chance."

Colapinto's advantage

Colapinto, Lawson and Tsunoda have all proven that they are fast F1 drivers, although it did take the latter a few seasons to demonstrate his talent on a regular basis. 

As for Lawson, he has quickly settled into RB just like he did last season when Daniel Ricciardo was out through injury. 

With the exception of the recent races in Mexico City and São Paulo, Colapinto has also gotten ip to speed in rapid fashion.

“They have all proved they have that raw speed," added Herbert. "It’s taken a little bit longer for Yuki but they’ve stuck with him at RB and he is now achieving and was unlucky not to get on to the podium in Brazil.

“Liam has been able to jump in and his qualifying is very good as his race pace. The one I’d like to see is Colapinto who unlike the other two, hasn’t got a seat and he has more than earned the chance from what we have seen so far.”

What gives Colapinto the edge is, like Perez, he has significant backing from his home country. This could be viewed as a huge bonus by Red Bull, especially if F1 returns to Argentina.

When asked if Colapinto being in F1 could result in the series returning to Argentina, Herbert said: “Yes. F1 hasn’t been to Argentina since the 1990s and a race back there would be something that would be huge and something that Colapinto’s presence in the sport could help that happen. I think the government has a plan to try to update the circuit there.

“I know Red Bull always look at regions and Sergio was a big deal for them and Mexico when they got him into the car, and it really took off. That then could really work for Colapinto in Argentina. South America is a massive market.”