He was a luxury they could afford while they had the significantly fastest car, but now things have leveled off he will cost them the constructors if they aren't careful.
If rumours are to be believed they turned down Lewis, Fernando and Carlos to resign Checo. I wonder what would cause them to keep a clear number two driver?
I doubt Lewis wanted to go anywhere but Ferrari. Especially with Newey heading there. And as for Carlos, zero chance Jos would have allowed that. For better or (mostly) worse, Max and Jos seem to have outsized influence at Red Bull.
If I remember correctly it was Lewis's dad that had the conversations with Horner, but I forget who started it. This was before Ferrari looked to be on. Ferrari for Lewis wasn't a valid destination until Fred had his feet under the table as they were a shit show before then.
I agree about Carlos, that's what I was getting at for all three drivers. Red Bull now have a complete mess with no replacement for Max if he just fucks off, and it seems he can thanks to Marko.
Yuki just isn't rated by Marko and Christian, when was the last time that they talked about promoting him? I really really can't remember when. Which is unfair on him as he's really improved and done well against Danny. Regardless he just isn't fast enough to beat Max.
Instead they talk about Danny getting promoted, still at the last race, which is mind boggling with how inconsistent he's been vs. Yuki. However it would be the most Danny thing ever to get promoted and suddenly be amazing against Max so I do not rule out him turning it around completely.
Lawson isn't going straight to Red Bull, he couldn't even get into the RB ahead of Danny or Yuki this year. He has to wait for a decision around Danny first, so he's behind him, and I feel bad for him. He might be fast enough but who knows without him being given a shot in the RB first.
RB are making some really questionable decisions of late. I legitimately think Yuki would be a consistent threat for the lower half of the points places in a faster car, with maybe the occasional podium finish.
Yuki just isn't rated by Marko and Christian, when was the last time that they talked about promoting him?
I think it is more of an issue that yuki is a Honda backed driver and not a "true" red Bull junior which plays against his promotion chances. He is solid and dependable while not being blazing quick - the exact 2nd driver red Bull are looking for.
Also be is not helped by the fact that horner loves Daniel and is borderline obsessed with getting him back to red Bull.