"I’m too busy enjoying not being yelled at by Helmut Marko..."

MILTON KEYNES—In the wake of Liam Lawson’s lukewarm start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing has reportedly reached out to former driver Sergio "Checo" Pérez to gauge his interest in a possible return. According to insiders, the team received only a short response: “New phone who dis?”

The blunt text has left team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull brass stunned, with one source claiming the message came through on a group chat last used to send memes during team dinners.

“Look, we were just exploring all our options,” said one Red Bull strategist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Liam’s a great kid, but we’re a team used to podiums, not polite back-of-the-pack finishes. We figured Checo might want to run it back—maybe do a little redemption arc. Anything to not give Yuki a shot”

Lawson, the 23-year-old New Zealander tapped to replace Pérez this season, has yet to impress. With a growing collection of “driver of the day” votes that seem more pity than praise, fans have begun to question whether the Red Bull junior program is running low on wings.

Despite the awkward text exchange, Checo seems largely unbothered. Now a tequila brand ambassador and part-time Red Bull hater, he appears to be enjoying retirement. “I gave them years of my life and blamed me every step of the way,” Pérez told El Mundo Deportivo. “They didn’t need me then. But now? Now I’m too busy enjoying not being yelled at by Helmut Marko.”

When asked if the team will continue to reach out to other former drivers, Horner was noncommittal. “We’re exploring all avenues. There’s always Ricciardo. Or maybe we’ll just let Verstappen drive both cars—Just don't say anything to Yuki.”

As for Lawson, he's staying focused. “I try not to let rumors distract me,” he said. “I know I’ve got what it takes to succeed at this level. I just need a bit more time, and maybe Verstappen's car?”

With Checo swiping left on a Red Bull reunion and Lawson under growing pressure, one thing is clear: at Red Bull Racing, the driver drama is back—Just as Red Bull intended.