Tsunoda's Red Bull F1 Seat at Risk as Hadjar Shines

Driving the news: Yuki Tsunoda's 2026 Red Bull Formula 1 seat is under severe threat. The team plans to decide its driver lineup around the Mexican Grand Prix, significantly sooner than last year. This urgency follows Isack Hadjar's stunning first F1 podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, which has intensified pressure on Tsunoda. Why it matters: Red Bull values stability but Hadjar's rapid ascent and Zandvoort success present a strong case for promotion. Tsunoda has only a handful of races left to consistently deliver and secure his position. The big picture: Red Bull's talent development program is active. While Tsunoda has shown potential, his recent seven-race point-less streak raises concerns. Hadjar, despite not initially being seen as an immediate F1 contender, is now performing at an elite level, impressing Red Bull leadership. The details: * Zandvoort Impact: Tsunoda finished ninth, but Hadjar's brilliant qualifying and third-place race finish overshadowed him. Hadjar openly declared he's "ready for anything" regarding a Red Bull seat. * Decision Timeline: Helmut Marko and Laurent Mekies confirmed the 2026 driver decision will be made by the Mexican GP (late October). * Tsunoda's Struggles: Despite recent car parity with Max Verstappen, Tsunoda faced a disappointing Zandvoort qualifying and a throttle map issue during the race, hampering his progress. * Hadjar's Rise: His P4 qualifying and P3 race result were career bests, earning praise from Mekies for an "extraordinary race" and from Marko for his exceptional adaptability. What's next: Tsunoda must consistently close the gap to Max Verstappen and score points. If Hadjar is chosen, an early driver swap at Racing Bulls before the 2026 season, possibly with Arvid Lindblad, is a potential scenario to provide an early head start.