Red Bull Postpones 2026 Driver Lineup Decision Amid Verstappen’s Title Push
Red Bull Racing has officially delayed its much-anticipated decision regarding its 2026 Formula 1 driver lineup — a move that has sparked considerable speculation across the paddock. The Milton Keynes-based outfit was initially expected to confirm its plans shortly after the Mexican Grand Prix, but it has now opted to wait until the end of the current season before finalizing its roster.
As of now, eight out of the 11 F1 teams have confirmed their driver pairings for next season. Only Red Bull, its sister team Racing Bulls, and Alpine remain undecided. The main question lingering in the air is who will partner reigning world champion Max Verstappen in 2026 — a decision that has proven more complex than anticipated.
Focus Shifts Toward Verstappen’s Championship Bid
According to Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, the delay stems from the team’s full focus on Verstappen’s current title challenge. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany after the Mexican Grand Prix, Marko explained that the team’s attention is entirely on helping Verstappen close the gap to championship leader Lando Norris, with only 36 points separating the two.
“We’re postponing the driver decision until the end of the season,” Marko stated. “The decision on the Racing Bulls drivers will also be postponed because the entire focus is on the world championship right now.”
This statement confirms that both Red Bull and Racing Bulls — the team’s sister outfit — will hold off on making any driver announcements until after the championship concludes.
A Competitive Field of Candidates
The 2026 Red Bull seat remains one of the most coveted in Formula 1, and several young talents are battling for the opportunity to partner Verstappen. Among them are Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson, all of whom failed to score points in the recent Mexican GP — a result that has added further uncertainty to their prospects.
Hadjar currently appears to be the frontrunner for the second Red Bull seat. The young Frenchman has impressed this season, particularly with a podium finish at Zandvoort, which strengthened his case within the Red Bull camp. His calm driving style and adaptability have earned praise from the team’s leadership, while both Tsunoda and Lawson have struggled to consistently deliver results that would secure their future.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda, who has been part of the Red Bull family since his debut, faces mounting pressure. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Japanese driver’s inconsistency has raised questions about whether he can step up to a front-running team. Liam Lawson, on the other hand, impressed during his brief substitute appearances in 2023 but hasn’t been able to replicate that momentum this year.
Adding to the mix are promising junior drivers Arvid Lindblad and Alex Dunne, who are both pushing hard for recognition within Red Bull’s development ranks. Lindblad, in particular, caught the team’s attention during his FP1 outing at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he set the sixth-fastest time — notably finishing ahead of Tsunoda, who managed only P8.
Racing Bulls Boss Confirms Multiple Options
During the Mexican GP weekend, Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane shed light on the ongoing driver selection process. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he confirmed that five drivers are currently in contention for the available seats, both at Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
“There’s five drivers,” Permane revealed. “We know for sure Max won’t be in our car. It’ll be two out of the other four, is what I would say at the moment. We are still looking at things.”
Permane emphasized that both Red Bull and Racing Bulls are locked in tight constructors’ battles, which makes it strategically important to avoid distractions. By postponing contract talks and media speculation, both teams aim to maintain focus and stability in the crucial final races of the season.
The Bigger Picture: 2026 and Beyond
The decision carries significant implications, as 2026 marks the beginning of Formula 1’s new engine regulations era. Red Bull will debut its own Red Bull Powertrains unit in partnership with Ford, making the choice of driver lineup critical to ensure strong development feedback and long-term consistency.
For Verstappen, who remains contracted until 2028, stability will be key. Red Bull will want a teammate capable of supporting the team’s technical progress without disrupting harmony — something that has not always been easy to achieve.
With the title fight still wide open and several young drivers vying for a breakthrough opportunity, Red Bull’s final call promises to be one of the most closely watched decisions in recent Formula 1 history. As the season draws to a dramatic close, all eyes will be on whether Hadjar can solidify his case — or if one of Red Bull’s other rising stars can make a last-minute claim for the coveted seat alongside the reigning champion.
