Is a completely new team on the cards for 2026 as new speculation about a double driver exit at Red Bull – As the 2026 season approaches, the driver situation across Red Bull’s two Formula 1 teams remains one of the most intriguing talking points.
With sweeping regulatory changes and the beginning of a new engine era, Red Bull may be contemplating more than just technical modifications. According to recent reports, the driver line-up could also undergo a complete overhaul, particularly within the Racing Bulls team (formerly AlphaTauri).
The future of several drivers within the Red Bull ecosystem is uncertain. While one young star seems secure, others may soon find themselves without a seat as Red Bull evaluates its long-term strategy.
It’s a battle for survival inside Red Bull’s F1 structure
Red Bull’s driver programme has always been ruthless in its pursuit of excellence. With two teams, Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, working in tandem, the organisation has historically used its junior squad as a testing ground for future stars. However, the 2026 season could see one of the most significant reshuffles in recent memory.
Among Red Bull’s junior drivers, Isack Hadjar appears to be the standout performer. His consistent pace and growing maturity have impressed the team’s decision-makers. While his future in Formula 1 seems assured, the main question is where he will be placed. Will Hadjar join Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen, or will he spend another season developing with Racing Bulls?
The outlook for Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, however, is far less promising. According to Sky Sports’ Formula 1 insiders, both drivers could face dismissal within the next few weeks as Red Bull rethinks its line-up strategy.
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There are signs of a total reset at Racing Bulls
Simon Lazenby of Sky F1 hinted that a complete driver change could be imminent.
“After the initial rumours, I have a feeling that we could see two new Racing Bulls drivers next year,” said Lazenby, suggesting that both Tsunoda and Lawson could be replaced, with Hadjar potentially moving up within the Red Bull family.
This aligns with Red Bull’s reputation for making bold decisions. In the past, the team has not hesitated to make significant mid- or off-season changes when better talent has become available. This year, it seems that the philosophy is the same: prioritising long-term potential over short-term consistency.
Jamie Chadwick, the British racing driver and pundit, offered an insightful perspective on the reasoning behind such a decision: “They don’t want to find the next number two driver or someone who just drives solidly,” she explained.
“They want to find drivers who can become the next superstars in Formula 1.”
Chadwick’s comments point to Red Bull’s broader ambition: to identify the next generation of talent to follow in Max Verstappen’s footsteps. Red Bull has dominated F1’s driver development landscape for years, producing champions and podium regulars. The current challenge is to find someone capable of leading the next era when the new regulations come into force in 2026.
Tsunoda and Lawson are running out of time
Both Tsunoda and Lawson have demonstrated speed and competitiveness, but neither has consistently shown the ability to compete at the highest level. For Red Bull, this inconsistency could be the deciding factor. The team is seeking drivers who can develop into front-runners rather than remaining dependable midfield performers.
Jamie Chadwick suggested that Red Bull might have a better chance of discovering future stars by completely overhauling its line-up.
“They’d be better off trying something new. Then maybe they could find someone like Isack Hadjar,” she said. This reflects a strategic shift, an acknowledgement that the current pool may not produce another Verstappen, prompting Red Bull to refresh its approach.
The idea of pairing two new, young drivers at Racing Bulls is not without precedent. Red Bull has often used its junior team to test unproven talent, giving drivers a season or two to demonstrate their capabilities before deciding whether to promote them. Such a move in 2026 could coincide perfectly with the start of a new technical era in Formula 1, enabling the team to develop a young pairing alongside a brand-new car concept.
There are several potential new faces on Red Bull’s radar
One name that has recently emerged in speculation is Alex Dunne. The young Irish driver recently left McLaren, and according to Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz, Red Bull may already be in talks to sign him. Kravitz noted that he had heard rumours of Red Bull’s interest, and that senior advisor Helmut Marko had made preliminary comments about Dunne.
If true, this could suggest that Red Bull intends to introduce fresh talent directly to the Racing Bulls team. Dunne, who has shown promise in junior categories, would represent the type of driver that Red Bull seeks: young, aggressive and with high development potential.
Kravitz also speculated on what this could mean for the rest of the Red Bull driver ladder. If Dunne were to join the Racing Bulls team, Arvid Lindblad might have to remain in Formula 2 for another year, delaying his Formula 1 debut. Meanwhile, Tsunoda could find himself without a main seat, possibly in a reserve role elsewhere.
What will Tsunoda’s future be beyond Red Bull?
Interestingly, Aston Martin has been mentioned as a potential destination for Yuki Tsunoda. Reports suggest that he could serve as a reserve or development driver for the British team, which currently fields Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Tsunoda’s connections to Honda, who will become Aston Martin’s engine supplier in 2026, strengthen the likelihood of this happening.
This scenario would provide Tsunoda with a logical transition, enabling him to remain in the Formula 1 paddock and continue representing Honda’s interests. It would also enable Red Bull to refresh its Racing Bulls driver roster completely without severing all ties with its former drivers.
Meanwhile, Lawson may have fewer options. Although he has been highly rated within the Red Bull system, he may need to look beyond the energy drink company for future opportunities. With limited seats available across the grid, he could consider reserve roles or moving to endurance racing or Formula E.
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Looking ahead to 2026
The 2026 Formula 1 season promises to be transformative, both technically and in terms of team identities and driver lineups. As Red Bull prepares for the next era of competition, a complete reset at Racing Bulls would align with its long-term strategy of building for sustained success.
Should Isack Hadjar be promoted and Alex Dunne join the team, Red Bull would have one of the youngest and most dynamic pairings on the grid. While such a move carries inherent risks, it also offers the potential reward of identifying the next great talent before rival teams do.
As speculation continues, one thing is clear: Red Bull’s focus remains firmly on the future. Regardless of whether Tsunoda and Lawson stay or go, the team’s approach to talent development remains uncompromising. By 2026, fans may not only witness a new car and power unit philosophy, but also a whole new generation of drivers leading Red Bull into the next chapter of Formula 1.
What do you think, members of the jury? Should Red Bull stick with its current line-up, or take a bold leap towards an all-new future in 2026?
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