Red Bull's 2026 F1 Driver Lineup Decision Nears Post-Qatar GP
Red Bull is nearing a decision on its 2026 F1 driver lineups for both its main team and Racing Bulls, with an announcement expected after the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen is confirmed at Red Bull, while Isack Hadjar is rumored to join him. The sister team's seats are a battle between Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and potentially Arvid Lindblad, with the decision crucial for planning and driver fairness.
Red Bull's junior teams, including Racing Bulls, are set to finalize their 2026 F1 driver pairings shortly after the Qatar Grand Prix. This decision is crucial for planning and out of respect for the current drivers awaiting their fate. While Max Verstappen's seat at Red Bull is secure, the remaining spots within the Red Bull family are sparking significant paddock speculation.
Why it matters:
With the 2026 regulations bringing new power units and a reshuffled grid, Red Bull's driver selections are pivotal. These decisions will not only shape the future of their main and sister teams but also impact the careers of several promising talents and seasoned drivers. The timing is also important for operational planning, including crucial tire tests.
The details:
- Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer confirmed that Team Principal Laurent Mekies aims to decide on the 2026 driver pairings after the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix.
- Max Verstappen is the only driver confirmed for Red Bull's main team in 2026.
- Isack Hadjar reportedly has a contract for a 2026 race seat within the Red Bull family, following an impressive debut season for Racing Bulls. He is widely tipped to join Verstappen at the senior team, potentially replacing Yuki Tsunoda.
- For the sister team, a promotion for Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad is heavily rumored. This would create a direct battle between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda for the remaining seat.
- The decision timeline is driven by practicalities such as planning for tire tests scheduled for the week after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Bayer emphasized the organization's desire for a swift decision out of "fairness and respect" to communicate the outcome to the current drivers as soon as possible.
What's next:
The announcement, expected post-Qatar GP, will clarify the futures of several drivers within the Red Bull ecosystem. This move will allow the teams to solidify their plans for the new era of F1 regulations, which include significant changes to power units. The choices will reflect Red Bull's long-term strategy in nurturing young talent while aiming for continued competitive success across both its F1 operations.