Red Bull Set to Announce 2026 F1 Driver Lineups, Tsunoda Expected to Depart
Red Bull is expected to announce its 2026 F1 driver lineups on Tuesday, with significant changes anticipated across both its F1 teams. Max Verstappen will lead Red Bull Racing, likely joined by promising rookie Isack Hadjar, while Yuki Tsunoda is set to depart. Racing Bulls is poised to promote junior driver Arvid Lindblad alongside Liam Lawson, signaling a strategic focus on youth and future talent within the Red Bull program.
Red Bull is on the verge of confirming its driver lineups for the 2026 F1 season across both its teams, with major changes expected, particularly for Yuki Tsunoda.
Why it matters:
The upcoming driver announcements from Red Bull and Racing Bulls could significantly shake up the F1 grid. With established talents and rising stars vying for limited seats, the decisions will impact not only the careers of the drivers involved but also the competitive dynamics of both Red Bull teams in the long term, especially heading into the new regulation era of 2026.
The Details:
- Red Bull Racing's Lineup: Max Verstappen is confirmed to continue leading Red Bull Racing. The identity of his teammate has been a major talking point.
- Yuki Tsunoda's Future: Sources suggest Yuki Tsunoda is unlikely to retain his Red Bull Racing seat due to his limited points contribution and struggles to consistently support Verstappen's title bids, despite a strong showing in a recent Sprint race.
- Isack Hadjar's Promotion: French rookie Isack Hadjar is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Tsunoda alongside Verstappen. Hadjar has had an impressive rookie season, scoring 51 points and securing a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.
- Helmut Marko has been a strong advocate for Hadjar, praising his mental strength and quick adaptation to tracks.
- Racing Bulls' Lineup: With Hadjar's expected move, Red Bull junior prospect Arvid Lindblad is anticipated to be promoted to Racing Bulls.
- Lindblad, currently sixth in the Formula 2 championship, is the series' youngest race winner and has completed successful tests with both AlphaTauri and Red Bull.
- Liam Lawson's Retention: Liam Lawson is set to retain his seat at Racing Bulls. Despite a challenging start, Lawson has outscored Tsunoda this season (38 points to 30) and is seen as a valuable benchmark for Lindblad.
- Other Possibilities: While Verstappen/Hadjar and Lawson/Lindblad are the most likely pairings, a continuation of the current status quo is a less probable alternative. There's also a small chance for Ayumu Iwasa, the Super Formula Champion, to be a surprise contender.
- Alex Dunne Out: Alex Dunne, previously linked with Red Bull, is reportedly out of contention due to Super Licence uncertainties, though discussions remain open.
What's Next:
Red Bull's official announcement on Tuesday will confirm these anticipated changes, setting the stage for their driver development strategy in the crucial 2026 season. The chosen lineups will be pivotal in shaping the team's competitive aspirations and nurturing the next generation of F1 talent within the Red Bull family. The decisions reflect a clear strategic direction, balancing experience with promising young talent to secure their future in Formula 1.