Red Bull Racing’s Quest for Max Verstappen’s 2026 Teammate

As Red Bull Racing gears up for the second half of the Formula 1 season, significant attention is being directed toward the decision-making process that will determine who will share the track with Max Verstappen in 2026. The team’s sports consultant, Helmut Marko, has confirmed that they will assess all candidates based on their performances throughout the season, both positive and negative.

The Current Team Dynamics

The second seat within Red Bull Racing remains unfilled as Yuki Tsunoda, the current driver, holds a contract that extends only until the end of the 2025 season. Tsunoda’s recent performances have placed him in a precarious position, leading him to experience the longest point drought of any Red Bull driver in F1 history. In the last eight races alone, he has faced elimination in Q1 four times and has gone seven races without scoring any points.

Despite these struggles, Tsunoda has received praise from Helmut Marko and team principal Laurent Mekies following the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he was just a fraction of a second behind Verstappen’s fastest lap. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team looms large.

Evaluating Potential Candidates

Marko has made it clear that other contenders are being considered for the coveted second seat. Among them are Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, drivers from the Racing Bulls program, who will also be closely monitored during this evaluation period. Marko stated, "Our drivers are traditionally assessed after the summer break. At this moment, everything is still open. We look at performance, both positive and negative."

The message from Marko to whoever takes the seat alongside Verstappen is straightforward: aiming to outpace the reigning champion is not the priority. "Anyone driving alongside Max must stop trying to beat him. It’s currently impossible to outpace Max. The focus should be on extracting the best performance for themselves and for the team," the 82-year-old Austrian emphasized.

A Transition Phase for Red Bull Racing

The decision regarding Verstappen’s teammate comes at a pivotal time for Red Bull Racing. Following the last ten races of the season, the team will part ways with Honda and will begin producing its own power units in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new regulations in the sport. This transition marks a significant shift in the team’s operational strategy.

The partnership with Honda has yielded historic accomplishments for the team and has been particularly advantageous for Tsunoda, who has been supported by Honda since 2016. However, this relationship may also affect his future, as Honda is set to partner with Aston Martin starting in 2026. Marko has hinted at ongoing discussions regarding Tsunoda’s potential next steps, stating, "We typically evaluate drivers only during the summer break. Yuki has always been a Honda protégé, and there are negotiations with them. We will see what path will be taken."

The Importance of the Summer Break

With the current atmosphere being one of uncertainty and increasing pressure, the summer break could prove to be a crucial time for Tsunoda and the overall configuration of Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup for 2026. The evaluations made during this period will likely have long-lasting implications, not only for Tsunoda’s career but for the team’s dynamics as they approach a new era in Formula 1.

The stakes are high for Tsunoda as he navigates this critical juncture in his career. The support from Honda has been instrumental in his development as a driver, and with the impending shift in partnerships, the decisions made in the coming months could redefine his trajectory in the sport.

The Racing Bulls Program: Future Stars in the Making

The Racing Bulls program has been a breeding ground for talent, and both Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar have shown promise as potential candidates to partner with Verstappen. The organization has a history of nurturing young drivers, and the current assessment process will be pivotal in determining who is ready to step up to the challenge of competing at the highest level alongside a driver of Verstappen’s caliber.

Lawson has demonstrated his capabilities in various racing series, while Hadjar has made a name for himself in the junior categories of motorsport. Both drivers will need to capitalize on their opportunities during the second half of the season to make a compelling case for their inclusion in the Red Bull lineup.

Marko’s comments highlight the fact that performance will be closely scrutinized, and both drivers will need to showcase their skills and adaptability to secure a spot in the team for the future.

The Road Ahead for Yuki Tsunoda

Tsunoda’s situation is undoubtedly complex. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, including moments where he has closely matched Verstappen’s pace, the consistency required at the highest echelons of Formula 1 has eluded him. As the summer break approaches, he must reflect on his performances and strategize on how to improve his standing within the team.

The pressure is on for Tsunoda to transform his fortunes. A strong showing in the remaining races could bolster his case for retention, while any further struggles may lead to a need for a change. The landscape of Formula 1 is constantly evolving, and drivers must be prepared to adapt to new challenges and expectations.

The Impact of New Regulations

The shift to new regulations in 2026 will not only affect Red Bull Racing but the entire grid. Teams will need to develop their cars in line with the new rules, which could result in significant changes in competitiveness and performance dynamics. For any new driver stepping into Red Bull’s second seat, understanding and adapting to these changes will be crucial.

Marko’s emphasis on focusing on personal performance rather than trying to outshine Verstappen reflects the reality that the team will be looking for a driver who can complement Verstappen’s skills rather than compete against him. This approach will be essential, particularly during a season of transition.

Conclusion

As the summer break approaches, the attention turns to the evaluation process that will determine who will be racing alongside Max Verstappen in 2026. With Tsunoda’s future uncertain and other contenders emerging, Red Bull Racing is at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the team’s trajectory and could have lasting implications for all involved as they prepare for a new era in Formula 1.

With a blend of established talent and promising newcomers, Red Bull Racing is poised to navigate the challenges ahead while maintaining their competitive edge in the sport. The quest for Verstappen’s teammate is not just about filling a seat; it’s about finding the right fit for the future of the team.