Red Bull has not yet formalized its line-up for 2026, neither for the main team nor for Racing Bulls.
The 2026 Formula 1 season is already starting to take shape behind the scenes. Max Verstappen will keep his seat at Red Bull, but the identity of his future teammate has still not been made official. While the teams finalize their line-ups, Red Bull must still decide for the other three drivers, including those from Racing Bulls, the development subsidiary of the Austrian manufacturer.
The second seat for the Austrian manufacturer should go to Isack Hadjar. The official announcement was initially planned for the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, but Red Bull is taking its time before confirming it. Hadjar’s presence alongside Verstappen looks increasingly likely, while the choice of the two Racing Bulls drivers remains up in the air. Several scenarios are considered before the final communication of the 2026 plan.
For the two VCARB seats, Liam Lawson could keep his place, but he is in competition with Yuki Tsunoda, who Red Bull could decide to maintain, or with Arvid Lindblad, currently in F2, tipped for promotion. Each decision is closely followed by observers, as the future of these young talents can weigh on the future performance of the Red Bull subsidiary.
Alex Palou, the new option
In this context, Jacques Villeneuve put forward a surprising option to replace Isack Hadjer at Racing Bulls: Alex Palou, currently in IndyCar. “Keep Liam Lawson and go get Alex Palou!” I wouldn’t understand saving Tsunoda. He wins races under pressure, in all kinds of conditions. This is the perfect profile for Red Bull, test it at Racing Bulls! »explained the 1997 world champion, quoted by Nextgen-auto.com.
For Villeneuve, Palou’s experience is a major asset against F2 drivers. “He is an experienced driver, better trained than an F2 driver. He operates under enormous pressure, whether during the 500 Miles or on very different circuits, and he always stays ahead. He is Spanish, knows Europe and would adapt easily”concludes the former driver, relaunching the debate on the composition of the Red Bull seats for 2026.
