The Red Bull Racing team has yet to decide who will partner Max Verstappen in the 2026 Formula 1 season, but consultant Helmut Marko has given clear hints about the team’s preferences. In a recent interview, Marko highlighted young French driver Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls as a strong candidate for the second seat at the main team. Despite speculation about a possible return of Alex Albon, currently with Williams, the Austrian did not mention the Anglo-Thai driver, focusing instead on talents from Red Bull’s internal program. The decision, expected by October, reflects the team’s strategy to prioritize young drivers like Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad while keeping an eye on the market. This move signals a renewal in the team’s lineup to tackle the 2026 regulation changes. Choosing the second driver is critical for Red Bull to regain competitiveness after a challenging 2025, marked by McLaren’s dominance.
The 2025 season has been tough for Red Bull, currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, 46 points behind Mercedes. Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, remains the team’s cornerstone, but the performance of the second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, has been under scrutiny, with only seven points scored since taking the seat in the third race of the year. Uncertainty surrounding Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, another name from the young driver program, opens the door for new prospects like Hadjar, who impressed with a podium in his debut at the Dutch GP.
- Key names in discussion: Isack Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson.
- Decision deadline: By the Mexico GP in October 2025.
- Current performance: Red Bull fights to reclaim the top, with Verstappen third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Red Bull’s strategy for 2026
Choosing Verstappen’s teammate is a key focus for Red Bull ahead of 2026, a year that will bring significant changes to Formula 1 regulations, including new engines and lighter chassis. Helmut Marko, known for his strategic vision, emphasized the importance of sticking with drivers from Red Bull’s internal program. He praised Isack Hadjar’s mental strength, who has shown consistency and speed in his debut season with Racing Bulls. At 20, Hadjar secured a podium in Zandvoort, becoming the fifth-youngest driver to achieve this in Formula 1 history.
Marko also mentioned Arvid Lindblad, a Formula 2 driver, as an option for Racing Bulls if Tsunoda or Lawson are dropped. Red Bull’s strategy is clear: invest in young talents to ensure long-term continuity and competitiveness. However, the team hasn’t entirely ruled out signing a “super talent” from outside, though Marko noted no external names stand out currently.
- Regulation changes: More powerful hybrid engines and cars 180 kg lighter in 2026.
- Focus on young drivers: Red Bull prioritizes talents from its development program.
- Hadjar’s standout moment: Podium in debut strengthens his case for the main seat.
- Lindblad as an option: Young F2 driver could fill a Racing Bulls seat.
Red Bull’s approach reflects a shift in philosophy under Laurent Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner in July 2025. Mekies has introduced a more technical communication style with drivers, enabling precise car adjustments, as seen in Verstappen’s win at Monza. This dynamic could benefit drivers like Hadjar, who already work closely with the technical team.
Alex Albon and return rumors
Alex Albon, who raced for Red Bull between 2019 and 2020, was the subject of speculation after a Band broadcast suggested his return. Currently at Williams, Albon has a contract until 2026 and leads the team with 70 points, outperforming Carlos Sainz, who has only 16. Despite his strong performance, Marko did not mention Albon in his interview with the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, suggesting Red Bull isn’t prioritizing the Anglo-Thai driver.
Albon’s performance at Williams has been solid, particularly in races like Monza, where his hard-tire strategy enabled key overtakes. However, his exit from Red Bull in 2020, after struggling to match Verstappen, may weigh against a potential return. The team seems more inclined to invest in younger drivers like Hadjar, who have yet to face the pressure of racing alongside the four-time champion.
- Albon’s performance: 70 points this season, compared to Sainz’s 16 at Williams.
- Red Bull history: Albon faced challenges in 2019 and 2020.
- Current contract: Tied to Williams until the end of 2026.
Isack Hadjar’s impact on Red Bull’s program
Isack Hadjar has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Red Bull’s young driver program. His Formula 1 debut at the Dutch GP was marked by an unexpected podium, capitalizing on Lando Norris’s retirement. Marko praised Hadjar’s ability to adapt quickly to tracks, even without prior experience, and his knack for avoiding mistakes, a rare trait for a rookie.
Hadjar’s performance contrasts with Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles with the RB21, Red Bull’s main car. Tsunoda has scored just seven points in 2025, sitting 18th in the Drivers’ Championship. The pressure is on for the Japanese driver to show consistency and speed in the upcoming races to secure his future with the team.
- Hadjar’s podium: Achieved at the Dutch GP in his F1 debut.
- Tsunoda comparison: Japanese driver struggles with only seven points.
- Hadjar’s strengths: Speed, quick adaptation, and consistency.
- Tsunoda’s challenges: Must improve performance by October.
Other names on Red Bull’s radar
Beyond Hadjar, Red Bull is considering other drivers from its program, such as Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Lawson, who has raced for Racing Bulls, is a viable option but hasn’t impressed as much as Hadjar. Lindblad, meanwhile, is a long-term prospect still developing in Formula 2. Marko also mentioned Alex Dunne, a McLaren F2 driver, as a talent under observation, though the priority remains with Red Bull’s own program.
The decision on the second seat will hinge on performance in upcoming races, with the Mexico GP as an informal deadline. Red Bull is looking for a driver capable of complementing Verstappen, who confirmed his stay with the team until 2026, despite rumors of a potential move to Mercedes.
- Liam Lawson: Secondary option, less favored than Hadjar.
- Arvid Lindblad: Potential replacement for Racing Bulls.
- Alex Dunne: Monitored but tied to McLaren.
- Decision timeline: October 2025, during the Mexico GP.
Preparing for 2026 changes
The 2026 season will be a milestone for Formula 1, with new regulations introducing more powerful hybrid engines and lighter cars. Red Bull, in partnership with Ford, is developing its own power unit, an ambitious project that heightens the stakes for the team. The choice of the second driver will be crucial to maximize the new car’s performance and compete with rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari, who are also preparing for the changes.
Verstappen’s win at Monza, with a low-downforce setup and a new technical approach under Mekies, showed Red Bull is regaining momentum. Hadjar, with his speed and consistency, could be the missing piece to strengthen the team during this transition.
- New regulations: Lighter cars and hybrid engines in 2026.
- Ford partnership: Red Bull develops its own power unit.
- Monza victory: Sign of recovery after a tough 2024.
- Second driver’s role: Key to complementing Verstappen.