Rookie Sensations: How Bearman and Colapinto Influenced Red Bull’s Bold Driver Decisions

Did the impressive showings by newcomers Ollie Bearman and Franco Colapinto impact Red Bull's recent Formula 1 driver changes?

In discussing the decision to replace Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson for the rest of the 2024 F1 season, Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner drew an interesting analogy.

Lawson, who is 22 years old, will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in Red Bull’s sister team RB, and possibly even the main team, during the last six races of the season. He is taking over from Ricciardo, who has not been performing well.

During an appearance on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner discussed how Red Bull makes its decisions. He specifically praised the performances of young drivers Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto, noting their impressive stand-in roles for Ferrari/Haas and Williams.

Christian Horner's remarks suggest that the performances of F2 driver Bearman, who is set to compete full-time for Haas next season, and Colapinto, have influenced Red Bull's decision-making process regarding their driver lineup.

“There have been some unexpected developments,” Horner stated.

These days, it's really challenging to gauge performance in Formula 2. Take Oliver Bearman, for example. When he got behind the wheel of a Ferrari on one of the most demanding tracks in Saudi Arabia, he appeared to be a seasoned professional.

"Moreover, having accomplished this alongside a formidable partner like Nico Hulkenberg in recent times."

Franco Colapinto has caught everyone off guard since he was relatively overlooked in Formula 2. He wasn't even a topic of conversation. However, once he got behind the wheel of that Williams for a few races, he has truly stood out. His performance has been extraordinarily impressive.

"It's tough to say for sure. Does this imply that Isack Hadjar, who outperformed everyone, is on a different level? We won't know until we give these individuals an opportunity."

Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar is currently in second place in the F2 championship standings, positioned ahead of both Colapinto and Bearman. This season, he has secured four victories, the highest number achieved by any driver in the direct feeder series to F1.

Hadjar, a 20-year-old from France, has been designated as Red Bull's standby driver for 2025. However, he might have an opportunity to compete for Red Bull in the upcoming season if Lawson does not make the most of his current chance or if Lawson performs exceptionally well, prompting Red Bull to replace Sergio Perez with him.

Horner mentioned that the young men are eager and push their vehicles to the limit.

"We're observing that the current influx of junior racers is highly prepared, competes effectively, and has a solid grasp on tire conservation strategies."

“Bearman, Colapinto, and others have performed exceptionally well.”

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