Red Bull’s ongoing uncertainty over Verstappen’s new teammate for next season has taken another turn, with 1996 World Champion Damon Hill publicly urging the team to prioritise experience over youth. While Verstappen’s position within Red Bull Racing is secure, the second seat has been the subject of much speculation, and Hill believes that an experienced hand, rather than another Red Bull junior such as Isack Hadjar or incumbent Yuki Tsunoda, should sit alongside the four-time world champion in 2026.
Reports from De Limburger, a Dutch newspaper with strong connections to Verstappen’s camp, have recently suggested that Tsunoda is unlikely to keep his place at Red Bull next season. The Japanese driver, currently Verstappen’s teammate, has shown promise at times, but has not done enough to convince Red Bull’s senior management that he can ever perform close to Verstappen’s level or consistently deliver the points the team demands.
Further, Red Bull’s decision on the second seat will likely be finalised and announced around the Mexican Grand Prix, the same weekend that internal leaks indicated as the planned timeline for confirmation. This has fuelled speculation that discussions are already in the closing stages, with Red Bull assessing multiple options, including Hadjar, as well as a possible short-term deal with another experienced driver should contract negotiations elsewhere fall through.
Hill’s preference for experience
In the midst of the speculation, Damon Hill has weighed in with a strong endorsement for Hülkenberg. Speaking recently, the former world champion argued that Red Bull’s priority should be a driver who complements Verstappen’s style rather than challenges it.
“You need someone with the experience and temperament to work alongside Max, not someone who is still finding their feet,” he explained.
Hülkenberg, now in his mid-thirties, has been one of the standout performers of 2025, despite racing for the midfield Sauber team.
His combination of pace, technical feedback and composure driving an inferior car at times has impressed observers throughout the season. Hill believes that these qualities make Hülkenberg the ideal choice for Red Bull’s high-pressure environment.
“He’s the experienced one, but he still takes his chances,” he said. “You wonder what would happen if you put him in a top car.”
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Hadjar or Hülkenberg?
Both Hadjar and Hülkenberg have enjoyed landmark moments this season, securing their first-ever Formula 1 podiums. Hülkenberg ended his long wait for a podium finish with a brilliant performance at the British Grand Prix, while Hadjar thrilled home fans with his maiden podium at Zandvoort.
Despite these similarities, Hill argues that Red Bull cannot afford to gamble on a rookie when they are fighting for both championships and stability in their driver pairing.
BBC presenter Harry Benjamin highlighted Hülkenberg’s consistent form, saying: “He just got his first points since his podium finish. That’s incredible.”
Hill echoed this, referring to the German’s impressive sprint qualifying performance in Austin, where he started fourth before becoming embroiled in a collision involving both McLarens.
“Fourth place in sprint qualifying was still a fantastic result,” he said. “He’s proven that even in an average car, he can deliver.”
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Why Hülkenberg fits Red Bull’s needs
His friendship with and mutual respect for Verstappen could also be a decisive factor. Hill hinted that harmony within the Red Bull garage is essential after several seasons of tension between Verstappen and his previous teammate, Sergio Pérez.
“Why not? If I were in charge at Red Bull, I’d say we should give him a chance, Hill remarked. “He’s good friends with Max, isn’t he?”
This personal compatibility could carry significant weight as Red Bull considers the long-term stability of its line-up. Following Pérez’s departure at the end of 2024 and Tsunoda’s uncertain future, it is believed that the team principal’s successor and the Red Bull leadership want a pairing that blends competitive edge with cooperation.
Countdown to the Mexican Grand Prix!
All signs point to the Mexican Grand Prix weekend as the time when Red Bull will announce its decision. Leaks from within the team suggest that the announcement window has been deliberately chosen to coincide with a key sponsorship event, ensuring maximum global visibility. Until then, speculation will continue to swirl, with Hill’s comments only intensifying the debate.
With Hülkenberg sitting ninth in the championship with 41 points and Haddad just behind in tenth with 39, the competition is close, but Hill’s argument for experience over youth may be the most compelling yet. If De Limburger’s sources are correct, the Formula 1 world won’t have to wait long to find out which direction Red Bull ultimately takes.
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Clara Marlowe is a Formula 1 writer at TJ13 with over 15 years of experience in motorsport journalism, having contributed features to established sports magazines such as Evo, MCN, Wisden Cricket Monthly and other digital outlets.
Clara specialises in human-interest storytelling, focusing on the individuals behind the sport, including drivers, engineers, and team personnel whose roles are often overlooked in mainstream coverage.
At TJ13, Clara contributes long-form features and narrative-driven pieces that explore the personal and professional journeys within Formula 1. This includes coverage of career-defining moments, internal team dynamics, and the human impact of high-pressure competition.
Clara’s work brings depth and perspective to the sport, complementing news and analysis with stories that highlight the people behind the machinery.
Clara has a particular interest in how personal narratives intersect with performance, and how individual experiences shape outcomes across a Formula 1 season.
