After a dramatic shift in driver lineup at Red Bull Racing following just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, shared his insights on the team’s current dynamics and hinted at potential future teammates for Max Verstappen. At the start of the season, Liam Lawson partnered with the four-time champion Verstappen, but after performances that fell short of expectations, Lawson was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Steiner, who was a guest on the Red Flag podcast, brought attention to Isack Hadjar, a promising driver for Racing Bulls, along with Arvid Lindblad, a junior driver who recently celebrated his first victory in Formula 2 at Jeddah.
When discussing the possibility of Lindblad moving to the Faenza-based team (Racing Bulls) in the upcoming season, Steiner expressed his belief that Red Bull is currently in pursuit of stability. “I think they want a bit of calm over there,” he commented. This statement reflects a broader understanding within the racing community that teams often seek to minimize changes during pivotal moments in a season.
Steiner identified Hadjar as a strong candidate for a seat at Red Bull if Tsunoda’s performance does not meet the team’s expectations throughout the year. “Hadjar could move up to Red Bull Racing, being promoted from Racing Bulls. If Tsunoda doesn’t deliver good results, this is a test for him. I don’t think Yuki will return to Racing Bulls. He either stays at Red Bull Racing, goes elsewhere, or steps back from racing altogether. If that happens, Hadjar would obviously be a candidate for that spot, leaving them with an open seat,” he added.
This analysis underscores the competitive nature of Formula 1, where performance is constantly scrutinized, and decisions regarding driver lineup can shift rapidly based on results. Steiner’s comments reflect the importance of both current performance and future potential in making these decisions.
Steiner also reflected on Lawson’s future with Racing Bulls and the youthfulness of Lindblad. “Right now, I see the situation remaining as it is, because I don’t think they will let Lawson go after what happened earlier this season. They will give him another year in Racing Bulls and then reassess. Lindblad is still very young. So, I think we should not jump to conclusions just because he won his first F2 race that he is the next F1 world champion,” the Italian concluded.
This perspective highlights the cautious approach that teams must take when developing young talent while balancing the immediate needs of their competitive lineup. In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, decisions are often made under tremendous pressure, and the weight of expectations can significantly impact both drivers and teams.
Steiner’s insights into the driver dynamics at Red Bull Racing illustrate a larger trend in Formula 1 where teams are increasingly focused on nurturing young talent while ensuring that seasoned drivers deliver results. The mix of experience and youth is critical for any team aiming for championship glory, and the Red Bull Racing team is no exception.
The conversation around driver changes also reflects a broader theme in motorsport: the importance of strategic planning and foresight. By considering both current performance and potential future contributions, teams like Red Bull Racing can build a lineup that not only competes effectively but also positions itself for long-term success in the highly competitive arena of Formula 1.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the current lineup shapes the team’s performance and what decisions will be made as the next season approaches. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the interplay between seasoned veterans and rising stars unfolds, and how these decisions impact the outcomes on the track.
In conclusion, the current landscape of driver selection within Red Bull Racing illustrates the delicate balance teams must maintain between performance and potential. As the 2025 season continues, the dynamics at play will remain a focal point for discussion among fans and media, particularly regarding who will ultimately partner with Max Verstappen in the future.
The intricacies of driver contracts, performance metrics, and the ever-looming pressure to win make Formula 1 a sport where every decision counts. The insights shared by Steiner provide a glimpse into the strategic thinking that goes into driver selections and the overall direction of a team that has been a powerhouse in recent years.
As the racing season unfolds, it will be fascinating to observe how Red Bull Racing navigates these challenges, particularly in light of their recent driver changes and the potential for future shifts in their lineup. For fans of the sport, the excitement lies not only in the races themselves but also in the stories behind the scenes that shape the trajectory of teams and drivers alike.
By keeping a close watch on these developments, stakeholders and fans can better appreciate the complexities involved in maintaining a competitive edge in Formula 1 racing, making it a thrilling and ever-evolving spectacle.
