Hadjar's Red Bull Future Confirmed, Lawson Seeks Clarity
Red Bull has reportedly informed Isack Hadjar of his future, with rumors suggesting a promotion to Red Bull Racing. In contrast, teammate Liam Lawson remains in the dark about his 2026 prospects, expressing frustration and a strong desire for clarity on his Formula 1 career. Red Bull is expected to announce its 2026 Racing Bulls lineup after the Qatar Grand Prix, with Lawson vying for a seat.
Isack Hadjar has reportedly been informed of Red Bull's plans for his future, with speculation pointing to a potential promotion to Red Bull Racing. Meanwhile, his current teammate, Liam Lawson, remains in the dark about his 2026 prospects, expressing a desire for clarity regarding his Formula 1 career.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's driver lineup decisions have significant implications across its F1 and F2 teams. While Hadjar's potential move suggests a strategic push for fresh talent, Lawson's uncertain future highlights the intense competition and pressure young drivers face within the Red Bull program, even after demonstrating their capabilities on track.
The Details:
- Hadjar's Outlook: Reports suggest an "upbeat Hadjar" is being considered for a promotion to Red Bull Racing, potentially as Max Verstappen's teammate. This move would position him at the pinnacle of Red Bull's motorsport ladder.
- Lawson's Uncertainty: Despite a promising stint filling in for Daniel Ricciardo and strong performances, Liam Lawson has yet to receive confirmation about his 2026 plans. He expressed frustration, stating, "I don't know. I wish I knew," regarding his future.
- Racing Bulls 2026 Lineup: Red Bull is expected to announce the 2026 driver lineup for Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri/Visa Cash App RB) after the Qatar Grand Prix. Arvid Lindblad is widely anticipated to be promoted from Formula 2.
- Second Racing Bulls Seat: The second seat at Racing Bulls is reportedly a contest between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, with Lawson believed by some to be in pole position. However, this remains unconfirmed by Red Bull or Lawson himself.
- Lawson's Confidence: Lawson believes his performances this year have been sufficient to warrant another opportunity in Formula 1. He reflected, "I think in the good moments this year we've been very, very strong," while acknowledging areas for improvement.
What's next:
All eyes will be on Red Bull's announcement after the Qatar Grand Prix for the Racing Bulls 2026 lineup. The decisions made will not only shape the futures of Hadjar and Lawson but also indicate Red Bull's long-term strategy for nurturing talent within its highly competitive system. Lawson's continued push for a definitive answer underscores the high stakes for aspiring F1 drivers in the Red Bull stable.