F1 pundit backs ex-Mercedes driver as the perfect ‘stop-gap’ solution for Red Bull in 2025

The Milton-Keynes-based Red Bull Formula 1 team is in desperate need of a strong driver for the 2025 season.

F1 pundit backs ex-Mercedes driver as the perfect ‘stop-gap’ solution for Red Bull in 2025

Max Verstappen, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko (via BILD)

Formula 1 pundit Jennie Gow has assessed Red Bull’s current situation at the pinnacle of motorsport. The Milton-Keynes-based team has fallen down to third in the constructors’ championship in the past few races.

Red Bull started the year looking to dominate like their past escapades from 2021 onwards. However, the team’s chances have been affected by the underperformance of Sergio Perez this season. Perez has secured only 151 points so far, failing to win a race all season.

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Jennie Gow has thereafter cited the Stake (Audi) F1 driver Valtteri Bottas as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez in 2025. Gow believes that Bottas would be the perfect fit, having proved his worth as a reliable driver over the years.

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Just say Red Bull were looking for a stop gap for that second seat. If you looked at second drivers, someone who would just sit in that seat, do what they’ve been asked to do. He’s fast, we know that, he plays the team game very well. If they were looking for a stop gap, so they didn’t expose their younger drivers to too much too soon, I would say that would be a good fit.

Jennie Gow via motorsportweek

Valtteri Bottas is currently without a contract for the upcoming season and is set to be succeeded by young prodigy Gabriel Bortoleto in Sauber. While a move seems unlikely for the 35-year-old, all is yet to be said and done by the Milton Keynes team.

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Rumors have flooded the internet stating that Valtteri Bottas might make a return to Mercedes in a reserve driver role next season. Bottas raced for the Silver Arrows from 2017 to 2021, winning 10 races during his tenure.

Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas (via IMAGO)

When one door closes, another one opens – and I’m actually very excited for the future and what’s next.

Valtteri Bottas via X

Bottas has failed to secure a single point for the Stake F1 team so far this season. His performances this campaign failed to meet the required expectations of the team for which he has not been offered a new contract.

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All of the current seats barring one on the Formula 1 grid have now been ascertained for the upcoming season. What remains now is to see how Bottas makes a decision with regards to continuing at the pinnacle of motorsport.