The Formula 1 driver market is heating up behind the scenes as pieces begin to fall into place for the 2026 season. While Max Verstappen's decision to stay at Red Bull has solidified one key position, speculation intensifies around other coveted seats, particularly within the Red Bull family.
Why it matters: Yuki Tsunoda's future at Racing Bulls is increasingly uncertain, despite his reported £1.5 million annual salary. Journalist and Dutch F1 commentator Nelson Valkenburg suggests that "forces outside of his control" could lead to his replacement.
The big picture:
- Valkenburg believes that young talents like Arvid Lindblad and Isack Hadjar are being primed for roles within the Red Bull stable.
- The potential loss of Honda's financial backing, which has historically supported Tsunoda, is a significant factor.
- Laurent Mekies, the team principal at Racing Bulls, is reportedly a big fan of Hadjar, further complicating Tsunoda's position.
- Tsunoda's current contract expires, and he has recently struggled to score points, with his last top-10 finish seven races ago.
Performance and challenges: Despite his recent dry spell, Tsunoda has shown signs of progress, particularly in closing the gap to Max Verstappen's pace. Red Bull has acknowledged improvements in his performance, even noting an "extremely difficult" issue with his steering wheel setup at the Hungarian Grand Prix that affected his pace. He needs to convert this potential into consistent points finishes to strengthen his case.
What's next: Tsunoda has a narrow window to prove his worth in the remaining races. His ability to score points consistently could influence Red Bull's decision. However, the rising profile of younger drivers and strategic shifts within Red Bull and Honda could ultimately determine his fate for the 2026 grid.