The start of the 2025 Formula 1 season has brought an unexpected shake-up on the grid. The Red Bull team, after evaluating Liam Lawson’s underwhelming performances in the opening races, is reportedly considering drastic changes to its lineup. According to Motorsport.com, the Austrian outfit is already in talks to bring in Franco Colapinto as a potential replacement at Racing Bulls, which could trigger a chain reaction within the team’s structure.

Sources in Europe have revealed that Red Bull held an emergency meeting to discuss Lawson’s future. During this summit, attended by Helmut Marko and Oliver Mintzlaff, it was reportedly decided to give the New Zealander two more races to improve his performance. However, Colapinto remains a serious option if Lawson fails to deliver in the upcoming rounds.

Colapinto’s future and ongoing negotiations

The Argentine driver, currently a reserve for Alpine, has already proven his talent in F1 after competing in nine races last season with Williams, replacing Logan Sargeant. His potential, combined with strong backing from sponsors like Claro and Visa App, makes him an attractive option for Red Bull, which is looking to secure solid performances at Racing Bulls while keeping financial stability in check.

Negotiations between Red Bull, Alpine, and Williams won’t be straightforward, as they would require loaning out Colapinto without jeopardizing Jack Doohan’s future, who holds a full-time seat at Alpine. Despite this, talks have gained momentum, especially after Helmut Marko was spotted in Alpine's hospitality area during the recent Chinese Grand Prix, fueling speculation about an imminent deal.

Meanwhile, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, has downplayed the rumors, stating that “everything is purely speculative at this point.” However, his comments haven’t stopped speculation about a possible reshuffle that could see Yuki Tsunoda promoted to the senior team alongside Max Verstappen, paving the way for Colapinto to join Racing Bulls.

With the Japanese Grand Prix just around the corner, Lawson’s situation is becoming increasingly precarious. If he fails to step up in Suzuka and the following race, Colapinto’s move could materialize sooner than expected. In a season already filled with unexpected changes, the possibility of seeing the Argentine driver back in Formula 1 is more real than ever.