Horner sends another warning to Checo Perez: Red Bull want the best duo and Norris is one you have your eye on

Although Checo Perez will continue to accompany Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team next season, the Austrians do not deny being aware of other drivers.

The one who gets most of the attention is Lando Norris.

A couple of months ago Helmut Marko spoke of the Briton's "unfortunately long" contract, which runs until the end of the 2025 season.

"He is definitely a candidate for us. In of youth and speed, he would suit us very well," the team's advisor said.

Now, the one talking about the possibility of incorporating Lando into their ranks is Christian Horner.

The Red Bull team boss makes no secret of his interest and makes it clear that they do not want to take their eye off him for the future.

"Lando is a great driver, a great talent and a great personality for Formula 1," he said, speaking to Sky Sports.

"It is clear that he is one of those drivers you keep your eye on, as well as others. There is a new generation with a lot of talent."

Keeping an eye on the academy for young talents

Norris' name is gaining momentum as time goes by, even more so with the performances and podiums he has been able to achieve after his team's improvements.

However, Red Bull does not want to forget about its young talent academy either.

"Ideally it should come from the pool of talent we have, and if we don't think there is that ability, we will look outside of that to see who is available," says the team boss.

Liam Lawson has appeared on the scene following Daniel Ricciardo's accident at Zandvoort.

The New Zealander took on the responsibility of filling the AlphaTauri seat and has delivered from the word go.

He now has four Grand Prix under his belt and has already scored points, in addition to getting into Q3 at the Singapore GP, leaving out Verstappen himself.

"I think, Liam, it's only a matter of time before he gets his chance and his full-time opportunity," Horner notes.

"He caught our eye and gave us a lot to think about, particularly after his trip to Singapore.

"He's doing everything he can to justify a case for full-time driving, but unfortunately three in two is not enough."

A position of great responsibility

Occupying the garage next to Max Verstappen's is no easy task as the Dutchman shows an almost absolute dominance of the championship and has almost certified his third consecutive world title.

"Being Max's teammate will never be easy, some drivers may be ready for that challenge, but others may not," Horner acknowledges.

From the team they are aware that it is very difficult to find someone capable of standing up to him, however, they want their duo to be the best and that is why they are watching the performances of all the drivers.

"Max is operating at such a level that his confidence, his commitment and his talent are absolute at the moment and it's hard to imagine anyone beating him in the same team," he its.

"But there is great talent out there and, of course, what we know. What we want is the best two drivers we can field."

All in all, for the time being the one who will continue to fight with the same car as the Dutchman will be Checo Perez.

The Mexican started well this season, but then suffered a downturn, however, he assures that thanks to the help of a mental coach he is back to 100 percent.