Red Bull Poised to Announce 2026 Driver Line-up, Lawson Expected at Racing Bulls

Red Bull is set to reveal its complete 2026 driver lineup today, with strong indications that Liam Lawson will secure a seat at Racing Bulls. This announcement follows weeks of internal deliberations and marks a significant moment for the young Kiwi driver.

Why it matters:

After a tumultuous year that saw him dropped by Red Bull Racing early in the season, Lawson's potential retention at Racing Bulls highlights his resilience and strong on-track performance. This decision underscores Red Bull's long-term strategy, particularly concerning their engine plans and the development of their junior talent pool, shaping the future competitive landscape for both Red Bull teams.

The Details:

• Multiple sources suggest Isack Hadjar will be promoted to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.
• British rookie Arvid Lindblad is expected to join Racing Bulls, stepping into an F1 seat.
• Lawson's anticipated confirmation at Racing Bulls comes after an internal debate involving himself, Yuki Tsunoda, and Lindblad for the remaining seats.
• Yuki Tsunoda's inconsistent form, despite flashes of speed, reportedly worked against him in Red Bull's final decision. He had initially been considered a frontrunner after taking over Lawson's Red Bull Racing drive at round three.
• Lawson's Resurgence: After being dropped by the senior team after just two races, Lawson delivered a steady campaign at Racing Bulls, securing seven points finishes, including a notable fifth place in Azerbaijan.
  • He emphasized that his strong results were his key leverage in the fight for a 2026 seat, stating, "Those kinds of results are what we need, especially at this part of the year."
• Tsunoda's Reflection: Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with his season, noting, "I've done what I could do." He highlighted his ability to run close to Verstappen's pace in recent events and practice sessions.

The big picture:

Red Bull's driver decisions are deeply intertwined with their long-term engine strategy and the development of their extensive junior program. The selection of Hadjar and Lindblad, alongside Lawson, signals a commitment to nurturing new talent within their system. The ongoing discussions with Honda regarding a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) engine deal also play a strategic role, potentially allowing Red Bull to expand testing programs for their young drivers.

What's next:

Red Bull is expected to make an official announcement today, revealing their full 2026 driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. There is also a possibility that Red Bull will retain Tsunoda in a reserve role across both teams, particularly if negotiations with Honda for a TPC engine deal are successful, which would provide a platform for him to remain involved in F1.