Red Bull Set to Announce 2026 F1 Driver Line-up

Red Bull has reportedly finalized its 2026 Formula 1 driver line-ups and is slated to make an official announcement on Tuesday. While team principal Laurent Mekies remained tight-lipped, sources indicate that Isack Hadjar is expected to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull Racing.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's driver decisions for 2026 will significantly impact the team's future competitiveness and the broader F1 driver market. With Max Verstappen already established, the selection of his teammate is crucial for supporting championship bids and developing new talent within the Red Bull ecosystem. This move reflects Red Bull's ongoing strategy of nurturing young drivers from its academy and making tough choices to optimize its F1 program.

The Details:

• Announcement Timing: Team Principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the driver line-up announcement will be made on Tuesday, ensuring it won't distract from the Abu Dhabi finale.
• Expected Change at Red Bull Racing: Isack Hadjar is widely anticipated to replace Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull Racing seat.
• Tsunoda's Performance: Since taking over from Liam Lawson in the third round of the season, Tsunoda has scored 33 points, significantly less than Verstappen's 399. Despite flashes of strong pace, he has struggled with consistency.
  • Qualifying Pace: Tsunoda has shown an ability to lap within two to three tenths of Verstappen, even out-qualifying him in the Qatar sprint.
  • Main Grand Prix Qualifying: He was eliminated in Q1 for the Qatar Grand Prix, though still within three tenths of Verstappen.
• Future for Tsunoda: It remains uncertain if Tsunoda will stay on the grid, potentially returning to the sister Racing Bulls team, serving as a reserve driver, or being released entirely.
• Other Contenders: Red Bull has been evaluating Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Formula 2 race winner Arvid Lindblad for various roles within its F1 structure.
  • Liam Lawson's Resurgence: Lawson has rebuilt his reputation since being dropped by Red Bull Racing earlier in 2025, with his strong performances seemingly convincing Red Bull bosses to retain him.

What's next:

Red Bull's upcoming announcement will clarify the futures of several drivers within their formidable junior program. With Verstappen chasing the championship in Abu Dhabi, the team's focus will briefly shift to on-track performance before the 2026 driver puzzle is fully revealed. The decision to bring in Hadjar, if confirmed, signals a strong belief in his potential, while the fate of Tsunoda and Lawson will highlight Red Bull's strategic direction for its talent pipeline moving forward.