P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane has revealed that the decision to change the timing of its and sister squad Red Bull’s 2026 F1 driver announcements was partly “out of respect” to the outgoing Yuki Tsunoda.
Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane disclosed that the timing of the 2026 Formula 1 driver announcements for both Red Bull teams was altered partially as a sign of respect towards Yuki Tsunoda. Media attention escalated in the latter part of the season when it became known that rookie Isack Hadjar was set to move up to the main Red Bull team. Speculation abounded regarding Tsunoda, Max Verstappen’s teammate, and Liam Lawson, Hadjar’s partner, as well as the early acquisition of an FIA super license by junior prospect Arvid Lindblad. The original plan was to confirm the line-ups during the Mexico City Grand Prix, but this was postponed to the Abu Dhabi finale. Ultimately, Hadjar was named as Verstappen’s teammate, while Tsunoda was relegated to reserve status and Lindblad was paired with Lawson at Racing Bulls.
The decision to transition Yuki Tsunoda from Red Bull driver to reserve was made discreetly out of consideration for him. Permane explained in an exclusive Motorsport Week interview before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that the delay in the announcement aimed to focus on the Constructors’ Championship battles and show respect to Tsunoda, emphasizing his continued presence in F1. Permane elucidated the approach to postpone the announcement in order to maintain a calm environment amidst the championship competition, revealing that the choices were made by the time of the Qatar race and were announced as a respectful gesture towards Tsunoda for his final Red Bull Racing appearance, highlighting that it doesn’t necessarily mark his Formula 1 departure.
