Red Bull confirms Max Verstappen’s D…read more
Red Bull has officially confirmed that it will announce the full driver line-ups for both its Formula 1 teams for the 2026 season on Tuesday, just ahead of the championship finale in Abu Dhabi. Team principal and CEO Laurent Mekies revealed the update after weeks of intense speculation surrounding the future of several Red Bull–affiliated drivers.
The organisation had previously indicated that it intended to finalise all contract decisions before the end of November. However, internal debates—particularly concerning the final Racing Bulls seat—forced a slight delay. The team has now settled on Tuesday as the day they will publicly reveal their choices, putting an end to persistent rumours that have circulated throughout the paddock.
According to strong indications from within the Red Bull camp, Isack Hadjar—one of the standout young prospects in the Red Bull Junior Programme—is now expected to earn a major promotion to the main Red Bull Racing squad. If confirmed, he will line up alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen beginning in 2026. This would mark one of the boldest driver moves the senior team has made in recent years, elevating a rising star into one of the most high-pressure seats in motorsport.
Hadjar’s potential promotion comes after a year of impressive performances, consistent development, and clear signs that Red Bull sees him as a long-term investment. The team has been evaluating its future structure carefully as it moves toward the sweeping regulation changes scheduled for 2026—including new power units and aerodynamic rules—which many expect will reset the competitive order. With this in mind, Red Bull is evidently focusing on securing a driver pairing that can deliver speed, adaptability, and long-term stability.
Should Hadjar indeed move to the senior squad, his expected replacement at the Racing Bulls team would be none other than Arvid Lindblad, another talented driver coming through Red Bull’s feeder system. Lindblad is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents currently in the junior categories. His rapid progression, maturity, and ability to deliver results under pressure have made him a strong candidate for a Formula 1 seat sooner rather than later. Filling Hadjar’s anticipated vacancy would provide him with a valuable stepping stone into the pinnacle of motorsport.
Racing Bulls—formerly AlphaTauri—has a long history of nurturing future Red Bull Racing drivers. Stars such as Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and most notably Max Verstappen himself all passed through the team before graduating to the main squad. If Lindblad is confirmed, he would be continuing a well-established tradition of the junior team serving as the proving ground for Red Bull’s next wave of talent.
The decision to delay the announcement beyond its original November deadline reportedly stemmed from internal disagreements and last-minute evaluations. Red Bull’s management has been particularly cautious about the long-term implications of its driver line-up ahead of the 2026 rule changes. With the team aiming to maintain its competitive dominance, the selection of drivers who can adapt quickly to a fundamentally different car concept has been deemed crucial.
Over the past month, speculation grew as outsiders questioned whether Red Bull might consider retaining more experienced drivers or even pursuing a high-profile signing. However, sources within the organisation have consistently pointed toward Red Bull’s renewed commitment to its young driver academy. The expected promotions of Hadjar and Lindblad appear to reflect this philosophy, signalling that the team sees its future success tied closely to driver development.
Laurent Mekies emphasised that the Tuesday announcement is meant to provide clarity to fans, partners, and the wider paddock before the season draws to a close in Abu Dhabi. The timing ensures that all involved parties can enter the winter break with certainty, allowing teams and drivers alike to shift focus toward preparation for the radically different 2026 technical era.
If the expected moves are confirmed, Red Bull’s 2026 grid would feature a fascinating blend of experience and youth. Verstappen, the anchor of the main team, would be paired with a young driver stepping into one of the most demanding roles in the sport. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls would become an even more critical training ground, giving Lindblad a chance to learn and grow while competing against seasoned midfield teams.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are now on Tuesday’s official announcement. Whatever the final details, Red Bull’s decisions will undoubtedly shape the direction of its future—and may influence the competitive landscape of Formula 1 as the sport prepares to enter a new chapter.
