Nico Rosberg picks surprising driver as Sergio Perez’s replacement

Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has picked his “dream candidate” to take Sergio Perez’s seat at Red Bull.

Nico Rosberg has endorsed Alex Albon as the “dream candidate” to take the helm at Red Bull Racing, potentially replacing Sergio Perez. 

The Mexican driver, Perez, holds a contract with the constructors’ champions until the conclusion of the next season but has encountered challenges in recent months, failing to secure a victory since May, despite driving what many consider to be the best car on the grid.

While Red Bull has publicly expressed their intention to retain Perez for the 2024 season, speculations and rumours regarding alternative candidates continue to circulate, including names like Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. 

However, Rosberg believes that Williams driver Alex Albon, who previously raced for Red Bull for 18 months before making way for Perez ahead of the 2021 season, would be an ideal addition to Christian Horner’s team.

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“Albon would also be a dream candidate actually for the Red Bull mother team for next year to replace Sergio Perez,” Rosberg expressed in an interview with Sky Sports F1. 

“But unfortunately, as Helmut Marko was saying, Albon is locked in with a long-term contract there at Williams.”

Throughout the current season, Albon has emerged as a standout performer for the Williams team, singlehandedly amassing all 23 of the team’s points. 

His commitment to Williams is underpinned by a long-term agreement that extends until, at least, the conclusion of the 2024 season.

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In stark contrast, Albon’s teammate at Williams, Logan Sargeant, has struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard this year. 

With five races left in the season, Sargeant faces a critical challenge to convince team boss James Vowles that he deserves to retain his seat for the upcoming season.

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“Logan Sargeant is another one of those drivers who’s on shaky ground and really needs to prove himself,” Rosberg stated. 

“He’s been making too many mistakes so honestly 

“I think it’s going to be difficult for him to retain that seat for next year, especially because Albon is doing such a phenomenal job.”