Racing Bulls haven’t locked in their 2026 line-up just yet, with Red Bull expected to make some decisions after the next few races.
Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson both have contracts running out in 2025, and Yuki Tsunoda’s deal also ends at the same time. There’s been plenty of talk about where each of them might land.
The expectation is that Tsunoda will move on from the team, while Hadjar looks set to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull. The French rookie has turned heads this season, especially after picking up his first podium at Zandvoort.
Since returning to Racing Bulls following his early season demotion from Red Bull, Lawson has looked much more comfortable. Reports suggest Tsunoda could link back up with him at Faenza next year.
But Racing Bulls have other options too. Arvid Lindblad is being groomed for an F1 seat within the Red Bull system, and Helmut Marko has taken a liking to Alex Dunne following his departure from McLaren.
Fernando Alonso-backed Pepe Marti shifts focus from Racing Bulls to Formula E opportunity
One name that had been loosely linked to the mix was Pepe Marti. Now in his second F2 season, the Spaniard sits sixth in the standings with three wins to his name.
Marti, who is managed by Fernando Alonso’s agency, currently leads Lindblad in the F2 standings, while Dunne is just ahead of him in fifth. Despite this, Red Bull appears to have a preference for Lindblad when it comes to future opportunities in Formula 1.
That could be why Marti is now exploring other paths. A report from The Race claims he’s being seriously considered for a Formula E seat for the 2025/26 season.
The same report says he’s been involved in detailed talks with Cupra Kiro for several weeks. If an agreement is reached, he would team up with former Red Bull and Williams junior Dan Ticktum.
Few drivers have moved from Formula E into F1 – Nyck de Vries being a rare exception. If Marti takes this step, it would likely close the door on any future opportunity with Racing Bulls and might mark the end of his chances at an F1 seat altogether.
Red Bull’s 2026 F1 lineup decision and their most likely driver choices
With Marti out of consideration and Dunne not seen as a viable choice, Red Bull are left with four drivers to consider for their 2026 plans.
Hadjar is expected to step up to Red Bull, while Lawson seems set to remain with Racing Bulls. Lindblad is confident he’ll get the call-up in 2026, especially with Marko viewing him as a potential long-term replacement for Verstappen.
If that scenario unfolds, Tsunoda could end up at Aston Martin as a reserve driver. Honda are keen to keep him in the sport, and their engine partnership with the team might be his last link if he moves on from Red Bull.
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The new regulations coming in 2026 add another layer of complexity. Tsunoda hasn’t hit expectations this year, but promoting Hadjar too early could backfire, especially given how Verstappen’s teammates have struggled over the years.
Sticking with their current pairing into 2026 might be the safest bet. Tsunoda deserves more time in an improved car under Laurent Mekies’ direction, while Hadjar and Lawson can keep gaining experience at Racing Bulls – Lindblad might need another year before making the jump.
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