Who should Verstappen have next to him in 2026?

State of play

Red Bull has not yet made a final choice for the three remaining seats in 2026. Only Max Verstappen is fixed. The rest are subject to debate. There are clear preferences and counter-arguments. Key names include Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.

Arguments for Hadjar at Red Bull

Hadjar impressed as a rookie this year. He was consistently fast and showed good qualifying performances. That raised hopes that he could support Verstappen well in the long run. Many experts think he should now be given a chance in the main formation. The thinking is: give Hadjar a serious chance and build around him for two years.

Key points pro Hadjar

• Consistent speed as a rookie.
• Potential to grow alongside Verstappen.
• A promotion can bring calm to the staff if the plan is fixed for two years.

Why some want to keep Tsunoda or Lawson

Yuki Tsunoda has more F1 experience. That could be valuable in a season with new regulations. Some opinion leaders think Tsunoda should be given a complete preparation first. If his data is insufficient, that should show he is not fit. That would be a fair way to make a final judgement.

Liam Lawson was given few chances at the top level earlier this year. Supporters believe he deserves a re-match. They cite his potential and the fact that he has already had a difficult start to the season. A second chance could help him regain confidence.

The Lindblad dilemma

Arvid Lindblad shows a lot of speed and has impressed in free practice. Some experts think he has the mental and technical qualities to make a difference. A possible scenario is to put Lindblad in Racing Bulls to grow further there. If he does well, he could move on quickly.

Problems in Red Bull's approach

Many commentators point to structural flaws in Red Bull's talent management. The criticism revolves too much around short-term solutions. No experienced free agent was extracted. There were wrong contract decisions and a lack of oversight. As a result, the organisation now stands with fewer options than desired.

The recommendation is clear: fewer impulsive changes and a clear long-term plan. Red Bull needs to decide whether it can fill two full A teams from its own breeding. If that is not realistic, another strategy is needed. For example: one upstart from its own racing stable and one experienced driver from outside.

Three practice scenarios

Based on the different opinions, here are three viable options:

• Promoted Hadjar to Red Bull. Lindblad to Racing Bulls. Let Racing Bulls choose between Lawson and Tsunoda.
• Leave Hadjar at Racing Bulls for another year. Do give Lawson a second chance with the senior squad.
• Give Tsunoda a normal pre-season and reassess both (Tsunoda and Hadjar) mid-season.

Opinion and conclusion

The least risky choice seems: promote Hadjar and deploy Lindblad structurally in the junior formation. Let Racing Bulls decide who fits best there, Lawson or Tsunoda. At the same time, it is essential that Red Bull changes its approach. Less panic football and more long-term planning. That way, the formation can become stable again in the longer term and Verstappen will actually keep a supportive teammate.