Red Bull Racing’s Future Lineup: Insights from Laurent Mekies

As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, discussions surrounding team lineups are heating up in the paddock. Red Bull Racing, a dominant force in recent years, is currently evaluating its options for the next season. Laurent Mekies, the team’s principal, has recently addressed the speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s future teammate, shedding light on the current situation and future considerations.

Current Performance of Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda, who stepped in for Liam Lawson starting from round three of the 2025 season, has faced challenges on the track. With only seven points accumulated thus far, he finds himself positioned 18th in the championship standings. This underperformance has led to questions about his future with the team, especially considering the historical difficulty Red Bull has had in securing a consistent second driver.

The team has previously cycled through several drivers in the second seat, including Lawson, Sergio Perez, Alex Albon, and Pierre Gasly. Each of these drivers encountered their own set of challenges while trying to establish themselves alongside Verstappen, a four-time world champion known for his exceptional driving skills.

No Rush for Decisions

Mekies has emphasized that Red Bull is “not in any hurry” to finalize their choice for Verstappen’s teammate. This strategic patience stems from the belief that Tsunoda has shown signs of improvement in recent races. For instance, he achieved his best qualifying result of the year at the Belgian Grand Prix, securing a seventh-place start. Mekies noted that this progress indicates potential for future races, and that immediate changes are not necessary.

"We’re lucky to have Yuki in the car; we have Racing Bulls, which is working very well, and where we can also evaluate our young drivers," Mekies explained during an interview. This shows Red Bull’s commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring their drivers are in the best possible position to succeed.

Evaluating Young Talent

Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, has been an important aspect of their driver development strategy. Mekies pointed out that the team has several promising young drivers, including Liam Lawson, who is making significant strides in the junior series. Isack Hadjar is another driver who has impressed the team with his performances throughout the season. This pipeline of talent allows Red Bull to assess and potentially promote drivers as needed, providing them with a competitive edge in driver selection.

Mekies expressed confidence in their ability to evaluate these young talents effectively, stating, "If you look at it from Red Bull’s point of view, it’s hard to see why we would be in a hurry to make this decision." This approach reflects a long-term strategy that prioritizes both immediate performance and future potential.

Focus on the Current Season

While discussions about the 2026 lineup are ongoing, Red Bull’s immediate focus is on the remainder of the 2025 season. Currently sitting fourth in the championship standings, the team is 42 points behind third-placed Mercedes. Mekies acknowledged the questions and impatience surrounding the team’s driver situation, but he reiterated that their priority is to maximize the performance of their current drivers for the rest of the season.

"There are still 10 races to go. Then we’ll make the best possible decision with everyone involved," Mekies stated. This highlights Red Bull’s commitment to ensuring their drivers are well-positioned to compete and contribute to the team’s success in the ongoing season.

Conclusion

As the Formula 1 landscape continues to evolve, Red Bull Racing is navigating the complexities of driver selection with a keen eye on both current performance and future potential. With Laurent Mekies at the helm, the team is poised to make strategic decisions that align with their long-term goals while also addressing the immediate needs of the ongoing championship battle. The next few races will be crucial in shaping the team’s future, both on and off the track.