Red Bull F1 Announces 2026 Driver Line-up Decision
Red Bull Racing has officially announced its driver line-up plans for the 2026 Formula 1 season, set to be revealed on Tuesday. Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that changes are coming, including the likely replacement of Yuki Tsunoda with Isack Hadjar.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Performance Overview
Yuki Tsunoda’s season has been challenging. Currently, he sits 15th in the driver standings, accumulating only 33 points—significantly trailing his teammate Max Verstappen, who is just 12 points short of the championship lead.
Despite a few impressive performances, Tsunoda has struggled to maintain consistency. He noted that after being provided a car similar to Verstappen’s, he managed to qualify closely, even outpacing his teammate during the recent Qatar sprint event.
Upcoming Challenges in Abu Dhabi
Mekies has emphasized the importance of Tsunoda’s performance in Abu Dhabi, as every point could be critical for Verstappen’s championship bid. Tsunoda’s recent improvements, including finishing fifth in the sprint, have shown potential, but qualifying struggles have continued to hinder his progress.
Driver Line-up Considerations
The decision on the 2026 line-up involves evaluating various drivers, including Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Arvid Lindblad. Lawson’s strong recovery after being dropped by Red Bull has put him back in contention, despite the uncertainty about Tsunoda’s future.
- Yuki Tsunoda: Struggling for consistency, potential for a reserve role or complete release.
- Liam Lawson: Rebuilt his reputation and remains in consideration for a seat.
- Arvid Lindblad: A Formula 2 race winner, in the running for an F1 debut.
Looking Ahead
The impending announcement on Tuesday will clarify which two drivers will form the future line-up for Red Bull Racing. The team is keen to ensure their drivers are focused as they head into the final race of the season.
Mekies emphasized the necessity for Tsunoda to perform at his best in Abu Dhabi to support Verstappen effectively. The team aims to leverage any momentum gained to conclude the season on a high note.
