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12h ago

Red Bull Pushes Tsunoda 2026 Decision to September–October as Hadjar Impresses

The team will use upcoming races to gauge Tsunoda against Verstappen’s benchmark under recently equalized equipment.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko speaks with Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing with Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium.
Laurent Mekies says Red Bull aren't in a rush to announce their second driver for 2026. Image: XPB Images

Overview

  • Helmut Marko said Red Bull has extended its review and expects to decide on the second 2026 seat in September or October after observing more races.
  • Team boss Laurent Mekies said the squad is not in a hurry, highlighting ongoing evaluations of Yuki Tsunoda and junior drivers over the remaining events.
  • Isack Hadjar qualified P4 at Zandvoort with Marko praising his composure, while Tsunoda started P12 on a day that sharpened internal comparisons.
  • Reports linking IndyCar champion Alex Palou to Red Bull were refuted, with Marko stating the team has never spoken to him and he is not on their radar.
  • Motorsport reporting indicates Mekies pushed for Tsunoda to receive a same-spec floor at Spa to ensure a fair assessment, though Mekies notes Tsunoda remains a few tenths off Max Verstappen.