Red Bull 'approach two F1 stars' as Sergio Perez struggles show no sign of end

12 July 2023 , 12:19

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Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc have been linked with moves to Red Bull (Image: Getty Images)

Red Bull are plotting moves for Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc as they try and find a long-term partner for Max Verstappen.

The five-time constructors' champions could lose Sergio Perez in 2024 when his contract expires and have already looked for alternatives should the Mexican leave. Perez, 33, signed a two-year contract extension last summer to keep him at Red Bull until the end of next season.

Despite his contract situation, Perez has still helped Red Bull continue their dominance at the top of the standings. He has accumulated 156 points from the 10 races so far this term, but sits second, a mammoth 99 behind teammate and leader Verstappen. And barring an almighty collapse, the Dutchman is on course for his third world title on the bounce.

Despite Verstappen's success, Red Bull want to keep their No.2 driver pushing as hard as possible at the top. According to Italian outlet Formu1a.uno, they have approached Leclerc and Norris over a potential move.

Ferrari's Leclerc has endured a difficult season, having collected just 77 points so far and sits seventh in the drivers' championships. However, at just 25, he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid and has been touted with a big move away.

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As for Norris, he finished on the podium at the British Grand Prix to cap off a brilliant weekend at his home circuit. The 23-year-old ended up in third behind Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen and is slowly showing why he has been linked with Ferrari and Red Bull.

It is looking likely that one of Norris or Leclerc will partner Verstappen in the future as the Dutch ace continues to dominate the sport. Verstappen's win at Silverstone was his sixth in a row and Red Bull's 11th on the bounce - a run that matches the feat of McLaren in 1998.

"It's an incredible record. 1988 when the McLaren-Honda achieved those 11 victories with (Ayrton) Senna and (Alain) Prost. To think that we've matched that, that's testimony to the hard work of the team, of the commitment, of the drivers, of reliability, strategy," Red Bull's Christian Horner said.

"It's hard winning one Grand Prix, winning 11 in a row and I think we've won 19 of the last 20 - it's been a phenomenal run of success for us.

"Particularly here at Silverstone, our local circuit, the factory is only 15 miles up the road, we have so many employees living in the local area, to achieve this result here is something the team can be immensely proud of."

Verstappen said of the record: "Of course, very happy that we won again. I mean, 11 wins in a row for the team, I think that's pretty incredible, but it wasn't straightforward today."

Kieran King