Red Bull's 2026 Driver Decisions Expected to be Delayed

Red Bull Racing and its sister team Racing Bulls are postponing their 2026 driver lineup announcements, with key executives Laurent Mekies, Helmut Marko, and Alan Permane indicating that decisions won't be rushed. The teams aim to provide current drivers ample time while focusing on the ongoing Constructors' Championship battles.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's driver pool is one of the most closely watched in Formula 1, and the decisions for 2026 will significantly impact not only the futures of current drivers like Yuki Tsunoda but also emerging talents. The delay underscores a strategic approach, prioritizing on-track performance and stability in the immediate term over early commitments.

The Details:

• Helmut Marko's Comments: Following rookie Arvid Lindblad's impressive FP1 performance in Mexico, where he was the fastest rookie and outpaced Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko praised Lindblad's technical feedback and composure, noting, "He still delivered and was the fastest rookie... we are very happy with him."
• Decision Timing: Marko stated that while they have "some answers," the final driver line-up for 2026 would be decided "a little bit" later, possibly after the Mexico City Grand Prix.
• Racing Bulls' Perspective: Team Principal Alan Permane offered a cautious outlook on the timeline, emphasizing the tight Constructors' battle: "Not talking about drivers for next year is helping that stability." He acknowledged five drivers are in contention, with Max Verstappen confirmed for Red Bull, but not for Racing Bulls.
• Red Bull Racing's Stance: Team Principal Laurent Mekies echoed this sentiment, stressing patience: "We want to give Yuki and all our other drivers as much time as we can... there is no need for us to rush anything." He highlighted Yuki Tsunoda's strong performance in Austin as a factor.
• Current Contracts: As of now, Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar are reportedly the only drivers within the Red Bull driver pool with contracts extending into the 2026 season for their respective teams.

Between the lines:

The repeated emphasis on not rushing suggests Red Bull is carefully evaluating driver performance and potential across both its F1 teams. This strategy allows them to fully assess various talents within their extensive young driver program and current F1 roster, ensuring they make the most informed choices for the significant regulation changes coming in 2026. The focus on immediate championship stability also indicates a desire to avoid any internal distractions that early driver announcements might cause.

What's next:

The driver market for 2026 is expected to heat up significantly towards the end of the current season and into 2025. Red Bull's delayed decision means that the performances of drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and other Red Bull juniors in the upcoming races will be under intense scrutiny. A decision is likely to be made once the current season's competitive landscape is clearer and the teams have fully assessed all their options.