“We will decide after the Mexico City weekend,” Marko stated, confirming that the wait will not be long. Max Verstappen, already contracted with Red Bull until 2028, remains the cornerstone of the project. The big question, however, concerns who will be his teammate and how positions will be defined within the satellite team, Racing Bulls, which will also enter the new regulatory era.
Among the main candidates is Isack Hadjar, who has delivered a convincing season and is already under contract for 2026. The young French driver secured his first podium in the Netherlands and, according to Marko, “has earned his place in Formula 1 with incredible results.”
Tsunoda and Lawson face uncertainty
The situation is more uncertain for Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, both at risk regarding renewal. Yuki Tsunoda has had strong moments, such as his sixth place in Baku, while Liam Lawson — despite a challenging weekend in Singapore — remains in contention for a possible promotion or continued tenure with the Faenza-based team.
In this context, the name of Arvid Lindblad also emerges, a very young talent from the Red Bull academy. “He is ready for Formula 1, even if he is younger than Isack Hadjar,” Marko explained, suggesting that the English driver could debut in some test sessions later this year.
Alex Dunne definitively ruled out
Finally, Marko definitively excluded Alex Dunne, former McLaren academy driver recently released by the British team. “He is not an option for us, not even as a reserve,” the Austrian stated firmly, ending rumors that linked him to Red Bull.
With the decision set for the end of October, the paddock is preparing for a new chapter in Red Bull’s driver strategy, aiming to consolidate its strength in the upcoming technical cycle.
Leave a Reply