Red Bull’s decision on Max Verstappen’s teammate now follows different parameters. Red Bull Racing is rethinking how to choose Max Verstappen’s teammate for 2026.

Red Bull to choose Verstappen’s teammate based on new criteria

Red Bull Racing faces an important decision in Formula 1. The Austrian team must carefully evaluate its pool of drivers to determine who will be the best option to support Max Verstappen in the seasons ahead. Because that is the real point: whoever earns the second Red Bull seat will primarily be tasked with backing up the Dutch champion. Several candidates are on the table, and this time the team cannot afford to make the wrong choice. The 2025 campaign has already shown just how crucial it is for Verstappen to have strong support at his side.

Several contenders for the second Red Bull seat

This may not be one of the most talked-about topics in the paddock, but it is certainly one of the most important. If Verstappen had a consistently strong teammate this year, capable of taking points away from direct rivals, his pursuit of a fifth world title would likely be far less complicated. Instead, things unfolded differently: Liam Lawson lasted just two races before being sent back to Racing Bulls. In his place came Yuki Tsunoda, who has not delivered stronger performances than the New Zealander.

The underlying reason lies in Red Bull’s traditional team philosophy. Instead of prioritizing the drivers’ needs, the team has historically put the car first. That strategy can work—unless the car suffers from recurring design flaws that make it difficult to drive. That was the main headache until Laurent Mekies stepped in and corrected the situation. The former Ferrari technical director, frustrated by limited opportunities at Maranello, returned to Red Bull, where he was quickly promoted. His arrival has made a noticeable difference, even if few expected him to succeed in such a role.

Senior advisor Helmut Marko explained that Mekies immediately responded to driver feedback, listening carefully to their input. After all, who better than the drivers themselves to provide accurate guidance? This shift has allowed Red Bull to take a clear step forward, delivering updates that corrected some of the RB21’s main weaknesses. Chief among these was the chronic understeer issue that limited the car’s rotation. Expanding the adjustment range at the front end unlocked previously hidden performance, while upgrades to the floor and front wing also improved airflow management.

A new approach to the choice of teammate

This context makes the selection of Verstappen’s next teammate even more important. The criteria have changed: the decision will no longer be based on the same parameters as in the past. While Christian Horner’s instinct as a seasoned manager has always played a role, other factors—previously underestimated—are now just as crucial.

Having a wider range of choices may seem like a luxury, but it can also complicate the decision-making process. Apart from Verstappen, Isack Hadjar has been the most convincing driver in the Red Bull family. Offering him the second seat would not be a reckless gamble, as the young Frenchman has shown both clarity of thought and a strong personality. Lawson also remains in contention; since returning to Faenza, the Kiwi has displayed great qualities, with standout qualifying performances and an impressive showing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

Other names appear less likely. Promoting Arvid Lindblad seems premature, as his performances in the junior categories have been unremarkable so far. Likewise, Franco Colapinto shows potential but does not yet appear ready for such a major leap into Formula 1’s top team.

Tsunoda’s future hangs in the balance

The decisive factor, according to information gathered by our editorial team, will be Yuki Tsunoda’s performance over the final seven races of the season. Red Bull has adjusted the way it evaluates drivers, moving to a more pragmatic and efficient approach. Tsunoda now holds his fate in his own hands. He must prove that his recent improvements are not the result of just one good weekend but a consistent upward trend.

If the Japanese driver can raise his game and maintain that level through to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, his chances of continuing alongside Verstappen will be strong. This will be weighed against the growing momentum of Hadjar, who is strongly backed by Helmut Marko. In this context, the driver who shows the clearest progress and adaptability will earn Verstappen’s trust and likely the second Red Bull seat for 2026.

The decisive qualities Red Bull is seeking

Ultimately, this is not just about raw talent. With Mekies now in charge, the evaluation parameters have expanded. Red Bull is looking for a second driver who can provide genuine support to Verstappen while also contributing to a new development program. The upcoming 2026 regulations will introduce a new generation of cars, and the team needs a driver capable of engaging in every aspect of the project. That means going beyond driving performance alone: the ideal teammate must also play a concrete role in feedback, development work, and adapting to the challenges of Formula 1’s next regulatory cycle.

In short, Red Bull’s choice for Verstappen’s teammate will no longer be a simple decision based only on results. It will be a strategic move that combines speed, consistency, technical input, and the ability to strengthen the team around its star driver as it enters a crucial new chapter.