Our Verdict: Red Bull's 2026 F1 Driver Dilemmas

Red Bull is facing a significant challenge in filling its three remaining Formula 1 seats for 2026, with only Max Verstappen's position confirmed. This delay has sparked intense debate among experts regarding who should partner Verstappen at the main Red Bull team and what the Racing Bulls lineup should look like. The decision carries immense weight, potentially shaping the team's competitive future.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's junior driver program, once a prolific source of F1 talent, is now under scrutiny. The ongoing struggle to find a consistent, high-performing second driver for the senior team has directly impacted their Constructors' Championship efforts. The 2026 regulations offer a reset, making the driver choices crucial for regaining dominance and ensuring their two-team structure remains viable and effective.

The Details:

• The Main Contenders: The primary candidates for the senior Red Bull seat are Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, with Liam Lawson also in the mix for a spot at Racing Bulls.
• Arguments for Hadjar's Promotion: Many pundits, including Ben Anderson, suggest promoting Hadjar to the main team. He outqualified Tsunoda in China during his brief stint and has been a consistently impressive rookie in F1 2025. This move would also align with Red Bull's philosophy of bringing up junior talent.
• Concerns about Tsunoda: There's a consensus that Tsunoda's performances haven't been strong enough to warrant a continued spot in the main Red Bull team, despite potential Honda patronage. His recent driving has also been criticized as 'desperate.'
• Lawson's Situation: Liam Lawson's F1 journey has been complicated by Red Bull's handling, with many feeling he was prematurely demoted. Gary Anderson advocates for giving Lawson a second chance at Red Bull, citing his potential and previous experience under pressure.
• The Racing Bulls Lineup: If Hadjar moves to Red Bull, the Racing Bulls team could see new talent. Suggestions include pairing Lawson with Arvid Lindblad, who is considered Red Bull's next promising talent, or even Alex Dunne if he secures a superlicence.
• Red Bull's Historical Issues: Several experts point to Red Bull's 'incuriosity' and 'negligent' decision-making in driver management, especially in not pursuing proven free agents like Carlos Sainz. This reactive approach has led to a 'catalogue of errors,' as noted by Valentin Khorounzhiy.
• The Need for a Long-Term Fix: Edd Straw emphasizes that Red Bull's current predicament is 'embarrassing' and reflects a lack of consistent strategy in driver development. The team needs to move beyond reactive decision-making and build a more effective long-term conveyor belt for talent.

Between the lines:

Red Bull's traditional junior program, which once produced champions like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, appears to be struggling to keep pace with the demands of a two-team F1 operation. The high turnover rate and perceived inconsistency in how drivers are evaluated and managed have created a 'poisoned chalice' scenario for the second Red Bull seat. This current dilemma highlights a deeper organizational issue that needs systemic change beyond just selecting the next driver.

What's next:

The 2026 season brings new regulations, which could offer a fresh start. The decision on the driver lineup will be critical in determining whether Red Bull can finally stabilize its second seat and whether its junior program can return to its former glory. If they opt for new talent like Hadjar and Lindblad, setting clear expectations and providing adequate support will be paramount to breaking the cycle of premature promotions and subsequent demotions. Failure to address these underlying issues risks continued imbalance and compromised championship aspirations.