Decision remains postponed for now
Red Bull is waiting longer to choose its line-ups for 2026. The team initially wanted to provide clarity after the Mexican Grand Prix. That schedule has now been changed.
Favourites and uncertainties
Isack Hadjar still seems to be the leading candidate for promotion to the senior team. This would give Max Verstappen his fourth teammate in just over 12 months. Still, it is not certain that Yuki Tsunoda will be replaced.
Uncertainty in second team
For the second team, Racing Bulls, the situation is unclear. Tsunoda could possibly return there alongside Liam Lawson. Another option is for one of them to be paired with rookie Arvid Lindblad. Red Bull is keeping all options open.
Why Red Bull is taking more time
Team advisor Helmut Marko had previously indicated that the choice could fall after Mexico. That deadline has now been pushed back. Laurent Mekies, team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, said Tsunoda is “taking steps forward”. That is one of the reasons for waiting.
Tsunoda's weekend in Mexico
Tsunoda suffered bad luck at his pit stop in Mexico. As a result, he missed out on an apparent top-10 finish. However, he was close to Verstappen in qualifying and his first stint in the race was strong. Mekies stressed that Tsunoda was only a few tenths behind Verstappen in qualifying.
Key facts at a glance
- Hadjar is still seen as favourite for promotion.
- Tsunoda showed improvements in Mexico, but a pit stop cost him results.
- Racing Bulls line-up (Tsunoda, Lawson or Lindblad) undecided.
- Red Bull wants to make the decision before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Tsunoda's minor qualifying deficits versus Verstappen (2025)
- 0.163s - Hungary
- 0.211s - Mexico
- 0.263s - Austria
- 0.381s - Belgium
- 0.464s - Canada
Timing and strategic considerations
Red Bull does not want a decision that distracts teams at the decisive stage of the championship. Verstappen's remaining chances for the drivers' championship come into play. The constructors' battle for both teams is also a factor. A public announcement could disrupt the team focus.
Mekies indicated that the team has the freedom to choose quietly. Still, Red Bull does not want to wait until mid-December like last year. The aim remains to clarify before Abu Dhabi, both internally and possibly publicly.
What lies ahead?
The decision depends on several elements. Form and performance weigh in. Team goals in the final phase of the season are also important. Red Bull considers those parameters before announcing the news.
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