Red Bull Racing is preparing for a seismic reshuffle within its driver lineup, with Max Verstappen’s 2026 teammate all but revealed and one of the current drivers teetering on the brink of dismissal. The four-time world champion underlined his dominance at Monza with a 66th career win, yet despite speculation linking him to Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari, Verstappen has pledged his loyalty to Red Bull as the new era of regulations approaches in 2026. His stability contrasts sharply with the turbulence engulfing those around him.
For months, Helmut Marko has scoured the field in pursuit of a long-term partner capable of complementing Verstappen’s brilliance, but recruitment misfires have plagued Red Bull’s junior system. Now, according to reporting from auto motor und sport, the outcome is practically an “open secret”: Isack Hadjar, the promising French rookie, will ascend to the senior Red Bull team. His trajectory has been impressive, debuting in Australia with Racing Bulls before sealing a maiden podium at Zandvoort behind Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, thereby cementing his reputation as a rising star.
Hadjar’s promotion to the top squad sets off a domino effect. Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson midway through 2025, suddenly finds himself under direct threat, as Red Bull continues its ruthless rotation of underperformers. Meanwhile, attention is turning to Arvid Lindblad, the 18-year-old Anglo-Swede competing in Formula 2. Currently seventh in his rookie campaign, Lindblad has dazzled with flashes of raw pace, and his anticipated graduation to Racing Bulls would seal three of the four Red Bull-linked cockpits.
That leaves only one precarious seat, to be contested between Tsunoda and Lawson. Both drivers have failed to ignite the championship battle, combining for a modest 32 points this season. Red Bull’s notoriously short patience with mediocrity suggests the decision may come down to minor details, commercial leverage, or sheer timing. For Tsunoda, Honda’s imminent departure in 2026 weakens his political shield, while Lawson’s inconsistency despite greater experience raises doubts about his ceiling.
Ultimately, Red Bull’s restructuring underlines the unforgiving brutality of Formula 1’s talent mill. While Verstappen stands unchallenged at the pinnacle, the supporting cast is engaged in a survival duel with no guarantees. As Hadjar steps confidently into the spotlight and Lindblad eyes his chance, either Tsunoda or Lawson will be left behind, another casualty of Red Bull’s relentless pursuit of excellence in the Verstappen era.
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