Red Bull's 2026 Driver Decision Looms, One Candidate Appears Confident
Red Bull is set to announce its 2026 F1 driver lineups after the Qatar Grand Prix, with high stakes for three candidates. Isack Hadjar appears confident, dropping strong hints about securing a Red Bull Racing seat alongside Max Verstappen. In contrast, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson face uncertain futures, likely battling for a spot at Racing Bulls, as an official decision looms and only one driver is smiling.
As Red Bull approaches its deadline for announcing the 2026 driver lineups for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls after the Qatar Grand Prix, speculation is rife, but only one of the three main candidates seems to know his fate and is openly smiling.
Why it matters:
The upcoming decision will significantly impact the careers of three promising drivers and shape the competitive dynamics of two Formula 1 teams. Red Bull's driver development program is renowned for its high-pressure environment, and the choice for the coveted seat alongside Max Verstappen, as well as the Racing Bulls' lineup, signals the team's long-term strategy and belief in its young talent.
The Details:
- Isack Hadjar is strongly hinted to be Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing for 2026. Despite driving a less competitive car, Hadjar has had a standout F1 2025 season, scoring 51 points and achieving a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix. His demeanor and comments suggest he is aware of his favorable position.
- When asked about the announcement bringing relief, Hadjar chuckled and indicated he was "very happy," especially after a strong qualifying performance (P6) in Qatar, calling it "cherry on the cake." He slyly responded to a suggestion that the outcome wouldn't be a surprise by saying, "That's it, I'm not saying anything."
- Yuki Tsunoda, currently with Red Bull, appears to be the most uncertain candidate. Despite an impressive Sprint qualifying win over Verstappen, he struggled in Saturday's main qualifying, being eliminated in Q1. He refused to comment on his future, stating, "It’s not decided."
- Tsunoda is reportedly in a direct competition with Liam Lawson for a seat at Racing Bulls, amidst rumors that Formula 2 driver and Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad might secure one of those seats.
- Liam Lawson is another driver facing an uncertain future. While he states he's not stressing over the decision and is focused on the Qatar Grand Prix, he admitted he doesn't know Red Bull's plans. Photos show Lawson not smiling when discussing his prospects, in contrast to Hadjar.
What's next:
The official announcement is expected immediately after the Qatar Grand Prix. This decision will clarify the futures of these three drivers and set the stage for Red Bull's 2026 season strategy. The intense competition for these seats underscores the brutal nature of F1's driver market, where even promising talents can face an abrupt end to their aspirations.
- The outcome will reveal who Red Bull believes is best suited to partner with Verstappen and who will lead the charge at Racing Bulls, potentially bringing new blood into the sport with Lindblad's rumored entry.