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Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed when the team will make its final call on its 2026 F1 drivers — and where they will race.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that the team will make decisions regarding its 2026 F1 driver line-ups after the Mexico City Grand Prix. Max Verstappen will stay with the team next year, as his contract extends until the end of the 2028 campaign. However, the identity of his teammate at the Milton Keynes-based squad remains uncertain, along with the occupants of both Racing Bulls seats in the new regulations era of F1. Isack Hadjar has a contract for 2026, but it’s unknown if he will stay or be promoted to partner Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson are also in limbo, fighting for their places at the team and in F1.
Marko stated that all decisions will be finalized after the Mexico City Grand Prix, following the United States Grand Prix this weekend. Hadjar, who impressed during his rookie season and secured a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, will definitely be in F1 next season. Marko praised Hadjar’s achievements and situation, while he also discussed Tsunoda’s progress under Laurent Mekies at Red Bull, acknowledging the need for continued performance improvement.
Regarding Lawson’s struggles, Marko did not provide specific comments but noted his previous achievements and acknowledged the attention Tsunoda has received. Overall, the Red Bull team is focusing on finalizing their driver line-ups for the 2026 F1 season post the Mexico City Grand Prix.
