Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has definitively dismissed wild rumors linking IndyCar champion Alex Palou as a potential future Max Verstappen teammate.
Why it matters:
With Max Verstappen now confirmed to remain with Red Bull until 2026, the focus has shifted to who will occupy the second seat alongside him when new regulations are introduced next season. This decision is crucial for Red Bull's long-term strategy.
The details:
- Verstappen's Commitment: Max Verstappen recently confirmed at the Hungarian Grand Prix that he would be staying with Red Bull through 2026, putting an end to earlier speculation about his future.
- Internal Candidates in Focus:
- Liam Lawson: After an initial stint in Red Bull, he returned to Racing Bulls and is once again showcasing the talent that first brought him attention.
- Yuki Tsunoda: Given his opportunity, Tsunoda has struggled in the subsequent 12 races, scoring only seven points, raising questions about his future beyond this season.
- Isack Hadjar: Since a difficult debut in Australia, Hadjar has performed superbly in Racing Bulls, earning 22 points and considerable praise. Marko admitted to being "positively surprised" by Hadjar, positioning him as a favorite for promotion if Tsunoda's performance doesn't improve.
- Arvid Lindblad: The rising F2 star has performed strongly in his debut campaign, although he trails the championship leader by 62 points. Marko noted that "everything is right" with Lindblad, confirming he will have more TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) outings this year.
- Palou Rumor Debunked: Marko gave short shrift to the idea of Alex Palou, a three-time IndyCar champion, being in contention, stating definitively, "That's not true."
What's next:
Red Bull's immediate goal for the remainder of a challenging season is to fight at the front. Marko pragmatically added, "Whether victories are possible is another question." Tsunoda's performance in the final ten races will be critical in determining Red Bull's next move for the second seat.