Red Bull Racing's Current Driver Lineup

Max Verstappen drives the No. 1 car for Red Bull Racing and is the team's lead driver. Sergio Pérez drives the No. 11 car as the second driver. Both compete in the RB20 chassis for the 2024 season, with an updated version expected for 2025. Verstappen has been with Red Bull since 2016 and has won three world championships (2021, 2022, 2023). Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021 and has remained as the team's number two driver through 2024.

Red Bull Racing is owned by energy drink company Red Bull and is based in Milton Keynes, England. The team competes in Formula 1 under the Aston Martin engine partnership as of 2026, though they continue with Honda power units through 2025. Driver changes happen annually or when contracts expire, so the 2025 lineup may differ from what is listed here—check the official Red Bull Racing website or Formula 1's official site for the most current roster.

Key Takeaways

  • Max Verstappen is Red Bull's primary driver and has won three world championships while driving for the team since 2016.
  • Sergio Pérez serves as the second driver and has been with Red Bull since 2021, supporting the team's constructors' championship efforts.
  • Red Bull Racing is based in England and is owned by the Red Bull energy drink company, not by a single individual driver.
  • Driver lineups change year to year based on contract negotiations, so the current roster may not reflect future seasons.

Max Verstappen: The Lead Driver

Max Verstappen is a Dutch racing driver born in 1997 who became the youngest driver ever to compete in Formula 1. He joined Red Bull Racing in 2016 at age 17 and has remained with the team since. Verstappen won his first world championship in 2021 in a controversial final race against Lewis Hamilton, then won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he continues as the team's primary driver and championship contender.

Verstappen's contract with Red Bull has been extended multiple times. His father, Jos Verstappen, was also a Formula 1 driver in the 1990s. Verstappen is known for his aggressive driving style and consistency in wet weather conditions. He has won more races than any other active Formula 1 driver and holds the record for most wins in a single season.

Sergio Pérez: The Second Driver

Sergio Pérez is a Mexican racing driver born in 1990 who joined Red Bull Racing in 2021. Before Red Bull, he drove for Racing Point (which became Aston Martin) and Force India. Pérez has won two Formula 1 races while driving for Red Bull and has finished on the podium multiple times. His role is to score points for the team's constructors' championship while supporting Verstappen's bid for the drivers' title.

Pérez is known for his tire management skills and racecraft in wheel-to-wheel combat. He has been a consistent points scorer for Red Bull and has helped the team win the constructors' championship in recent years. His contract has been renewed annually, though driver changes in Formula 1 are common and future seasons may bring different lineups.

How Red Bull's Driver Pairing Works

In Formula 1, teams field two drivers: a lead driver and a second driver. The lead driver is typically the team's primary championship contender and receives priority in strategy calls during races. The second driver's job is to score points, avoid collisions with the lead driver, and sometimes execute team orders that benefit the lead driver's championship campaign.

Red Bull has used this structure since entering Formula 1 in 2005. The team's strategy, pit crew assignments, and car development priorities are often weighted toward the lead driver, though both drivers receive competitive machinery. Pit stops, tire choices, and race tactics are coordinated by the team principal and race engineers based on track position and championship standings.

Red Bull's History in Formula 1

Red Bull Racing was founded in 2005 when the energy drink company purchased the Minardi team. The team won its first race in 2008 and its first constructors' championship in 2010. Red Bull dominated Formula 1 from 2010 to 2013 with driver Sebastian Vettel, winning four consecutive constructors' titles and four consecutive drivers' titles. After Vettel left, the team cycled through several drivers before signing Verstappen in 2016.

Since Verstappen's arrival, Red Bull has won multiple constructors' championships and Verstappen has won three drivers' championships. The team is based at a facility in Milton Keynes, England, and employs hundreds of engineers and support staff. Red Bull's success is built on aerodynamic innovation, engine partnerships, and driver talent. The team has also operated a sister team called AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) to develop younger drivers.

Where to Find Current Driver Information

Driver lineups, contract details, and team news change throughout the racing season and between seasons. The official Formula 1 website (formula1.com) lists all current drivers, their car numbers, and their teams. The Red Bull Racing official website (redbullracing.com) publishes team announcements, driver profiles, and contract news directly from the organization.

Sports news outlets including ESPN, Motorsport.com, and Autosport also cover Formula 1 driver changes, contract negotiations, and team announcements. If you are researching a specific season or need historical driver information, these sources maintain archives of past lineups and championship results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Max Verstappen always driven for Red Bull?

No. Verstappen started his Formula 1 career with Toro Rosso (Red Bull's sister team) in 2015, then moved to Red Bull Racing in 2016. He has remained with Red Bull Racing since 2016 and has not driven for another team in Formula 1.

Can Red Bull change drivers mid-season?

Yes, though it is rare. Teams can replace a driver if the driver is injured, retires, or is removed for performance or contractual reasons. Most driver changes happen between seasons when contracts expire. Mid-season changes require the team to have a reserve driver ready to compete.

What is the difference between the No. 1 and No. 11 cars?

The number is assigned to the driver, not the car. The lead driver typically carries the lower number (No. 1 for Verstappen), and the second driver carries a higher number (No. 11 for Pérez). Both cars are mechanically identical and use the same chassis and engine. The number is painted on the car and used for identification during races and broadcasts.

Does Red Bull have a reserve driver?

Yes. Formula 1 teams employ reserve drivers who train with the team and are ready to race if a primary driver is injured or unavailable. Red Bull's reserve driver changes year to year. The reserve driver does not compete in races unless called upon and is listed on the team's official roster.

How long do F1 driver contracts usually last?

Formula 1 driver contracts vary in length. Some are one year, some are multi-year deals. Contracts often include performance clauses and renewal options. Red Bull typically negotiates contracts annually or for two to three years at a time. Contract details are often kept private between the team and driver unless publicly announced.