Who Will Join Verstappen as Red Bull’s 2026 Teammate?

Red Bull’s search for Max Verstappen’s 2026 teammate intensifies after Baku, where four program drivers scored. The decision window runs to Abu Dhabi, with the 2026 reset looming.

Yuki Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, and Arvid Lindblad headline the options. Red Bull prizes pace, robustness, and adaptability for the Ford-powered era and revised technical regulations.

Laurent Mekies and Alan Permane are resisting haste. Momentum matters, but consistency across conditions will likely decide the final shortlist.

Tsunoda currently holds the Red Bull seat after Lawson’s brief early-season promotion ended. The 25-year-old has steadied after a volatile opening phase.

Early in the year, Tsunoda struggled to approach Verstappen’s reference across stints. Execution errors and inconsistent long-run pace proved costly.

Greater involvement from Mekies this summer coincided with cleaner weekends. Tsunoda’s simulator emphasis translated into improved qualifying and tyre management.

In Baku, he finished sixth with stronger race pace and better confidence on long runs. That is the template he must repeat.

Such stability would help during the 2026 Ford power-unit switch. More context sits in the latest Red Bull 2026 news, including timelines and integration risks.

Hadjar’s rookie season at Racing Bulls rebounded after a formation-lap crash on debut. The Frenchman has settled into the midfield battle.

He has scored in eight grands prix and reached the Dutch Grand Prix podium. Permane praises his openness to feedback and quick learning.

Hadjar currently holds ninth overall and presents a credible internal promotion route for 2026. His rate of progression is compelling.

Lawson rebuilt after losing the Red Bull seat following two races. At Racing Bulls, his trendline points upward.

He scored on his sixth start and now has multiple further points finishes. Fifth in Baku underlines improved execution under pressure.

Across the last five events, Lawson has matched Hadjar’s haul. A 2026 Racing Bulls seat looks likely if Red Bull opts conservative.

Lindblad, 18, represents Red Bull’s high-upside long-term play. He is closer to ready than his age suggests.

He won on his F3 debut with Prema, then added F2 victories in Jeddah’s Sprint and Barcelona’s Feature.

Seventh in F2 with two rounds left, Lindblad shows raw speed. Red Bull values that upside despite title inexperience.

He holds a Super Licence, tested older Racing Bulls cars, and ran FP1 at Silverstone. Deployment will hinge on timing, not eligibility.

For background on development ladders and categories, see types of motorsports for typical progression routes.

The final choice will reflect Verstappen’s needs and the 2026 reset’s demands. Power-unit and chassis integration heighten the premium on adaptability.

Broader competitive shifts are covered in our look at auto racing industry trends, including manufacturer partnerships and driver development models.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.