Liam Lawson in Paddock Meeting with Helmut Marko Ahead of Imminent Red Bull Driver Decision

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson was recently seen in a meeting with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko at the Qatar Grand Prix, fueling speculation as Red Bull prepares to announce its F1 2026 driver lineups. The decision, expected to be revealed on Tuesday, December 2nd, will finalize the driver pairings for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

Why it matters:

The driver market is always a hot topic in Formula 1, and Red Bull's upcoming announcement is particularly significant given the competitive landscape. With a potential promotion for Isack Hadjar to Red Bull Racing and Arvid Lindblad joining Racing Bulls, the final seat at Racing Bulls — contested between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda — is pivotal for both drivers' careers. This decision could shape the careers of several promising talents and influence team dynamics for the crucial 2026 season.

The Details:

• Key Meeting: Liam Lawson was spotted by PlanetF1.com meeting with Helmut Marko, who was later joined by Laurent Mekies, the Red Bull Team Principal, during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. This high-profile meeting suggests the final decision is close at hand.
• Driver Lineup Rumors: Industry speculation suggests:
  • Red Bull Racing: Isack Hadjar, following an impressive rookie season, is reportedly set to join Max Verstappen.
  • Racing Bulls: Arvid Lindblad, a Red Bull junior in F2, is expected to fill one seat.
• Final Seat Battle: The second seat at Racing Bulls is believed to be a direct competition between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.
• Race Performance: Lawson had a strong showing at the Qatar Grand Prix, climbing from 12th to ninth, demonstrating his capabilities under pressure.
• Official Announcement: Red Bull initially intended to announce their F1 2026 driver lineup after the Mexican Grand Prix but delayed it. Laurent Mekies confirmed the official announcement will be made on Tuesday, December 2nd, emphasizing it won't distract from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Driver Comments: Both Lawson and Tsunoda remained tight-lipped when questioned about their future, indicating no definitive information had been shared with them yet.

The Big Picture:

Liam Lawson's journey in F1 has been a rollercoaster. After being promoted to Red Bull Racing for the F1 2025 season after just 11 appearances across 2023/24, he was demoted after two races without scoring points. Since returning to Racing Bulls, he has secured seven points finishes, including a best of fifth in Azerbaijan. Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Lawson at Red Bull Racing, also has seven points finishes, with a best of sixth in Baku. Both drivers have shown flashes of potential, making Red Bull's decision a challenging one. The 2026 regulations will bring significant changes, and Red Bull's driver selections will be critical in adapting to the new era.

What's next:

The official announcement on Tuesday will end weeks of speculation and confirm the F1 2026 driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. This decision will not only impact the drivers involved but also set the stage for how Red Bull intends to approach the new technical regulations in 2026. The chosen drivers will be under immense pressure to perform, especially those taking on new roles or vying for a permanent spot in the highly competitive Red Bull ecosystem. The F1 paddock will be watching closely to see Red Bull's strategic moves unfold.