P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It is now certain that Max Verstappen will drive for Red Bull in 2026. But who will be his team-mate? Several candidates are still vying for the seat next to the Dutchman.
Since Max Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull for the 2026 season, the Formula 1 silly season has calmed down. He was previously rumoured to potentially join Mercedes but clarified his loyalty during the Hungarian GP. While one side of the Red Bull garage is settled, the other involving Yuki Tsunoda’s future remains uncertain as his contract expires soon.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, is known for supporting young talents like Tsunoda, but whether the Japanese driver will continue with the team is uncertain. Isack Hadjar, a promising driver from the sister squad, seems to be a strong contender to partner Verstappen next year.
The French-Algerian Hadjar has caught Marko’s attention with his performances, but a final decision regarding his team for the 2026 season is yet to be made. To secure a Red Bull seat in the new era of power unit regulations, Hadjar must keep up his impressive showing against Liam Lawson, who has notably improved after a challenging start following his demotion from Red Bull.
