P1racenews AI automatic summary:
An update from Helmut Marko as Red Bull weigh up their options for 2026 across their two F1 teams
Helmut Marko suggested that Alex Dunne is no longer being considered for a spot at Red Bull for the 2026 season. McLaren recently announced their separation from Dunne, who had participated in two FP1 sessions driving their 2025 F1 car as part of their junior program. Speculation had linked Dunne’s exit from McLaren to a potential move to the Red Bull junior program. However, Marko dismissed any connections to Dunne in a recent interview with the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, categorically stating that “He [Dunne] is not an option for us.” Red Bull still has three seats open for the 2026 season, with Isack Hadjar confirmed to be promoted alongside Max Verstappen. The remaining Racing Bulls seats are to be determined, with Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson needing strong performances in the last races. Red Bull plans to finalize their decisions after the Mexico City Grand Prix. In addition to the current lineup, Arvid Lindblad is a contender to join the Racing Bulls in the upcoming season, despite being outside the top five in the current Formula 2 standings. Marko believes Lindblad could be ready for the step up to F1 and considers him one of their prospects.
