Laurent Mekies has noted that Red Bull has deferred its decision on F1 2026 line-up, but it should be done before Abu Dhabi GP as focus is on outside chance of drivers’ title.
The reports floated that Red Bull will make a decision on its 2026 F1 line-up around Mexico GP. But with the grand prix done and dusted, they have deferred the decision to until the final round. Team boss Mekies expects it to be done by Abu Dhabi GP and not go beyond that marker.
The wide expectation is for Isack Hadjar to step up alongside Max Verstappen in 2026 to start new. The Frenchman seemingly knows his future, but just can’t tell, as gathered from his media answers. Yuki Tsunoda, meanwhile, is still hoping to be retained at Red Bull, but has a huge task ahead.
As is the norm with Red Bull, they often are ready with their decisions, but delay it as much to not cause any troubles during the season. Much like how Sergio Perez was most likely to be out, but the decision was kept under wraps for months until after the 2025 F1 season ended.
It could be the same with Tsunoda, who is being lauded for the steps made in the last few rounds. The Japanese driver hopes that they acknowledge these while making the decision. “I think until Mexico, especially in the race day, I have confidence that I’ve maximised the things I can control,” he said.
“The pace, everything and the start. And the points was easy, like I said, possible. So, yeah. Hopefully, they [Red Bull] consider that. But also, let’s see. It’s up to them. But I’ll just keep pushing where I can control. Let’s see. I’m always motivated.
“Yeah, especially in the second half of the season, I think at least I consistently show some things I am doing right. In Mexico also, I could have ended up easily with the thing that I can bring back home quite nice way to the team. I think I am still in the right direction, I am motivated, yeah.”
Although Mekies has praised the steps made, it could be that they don’t want any disturbances in the last few races when they are trying to get Verstappen, his fifth world title. If Tsunoda is not being retained, it may lower his morale and he may not adhere to team orders knowing his future.
Of course, no one in Red Bull would admit to that, but the idea can be gathered. “It’s [the step made] one of the reasons why we wanted to take a bit more time before we make a decision on drivers,” said Mekies to media. “Yuki is making steps forward. The other kids are making steps forward as well. So, we have no reason to rush a decision. So, we will take a bit more time.
“It’s exactly as you said. I think you are right in saying, and you don’t mention this, but you are right in saying that there is also a focus element in our decisions to delay. We don’t need the distraction now. What is at stake [P1 for Verstappen and P2 for Red Bull] is exactly what you described. The parameters are exactly this one. We are lucky enough.
“We are free to choose what we think we need to choose. And therefore, the only parameter is the one you mentioned. [But] It will be before [Abu Dhabi],” summed up Mekies. With Hadjar likely to step up, the word is also about Arvid Lindbald to make his F1 debut in 2026 at Visa Cash App RB. The F2 racer had his first FP1 chance with Red Bull in Mexico and managed to finish ahead of Tsunoda.
Granted that Tsunoda didn’t get a second lap in, but he impressed with his feedback as per Mekies. The wild rumour is toss up between Tsunoda and Liam Lawson for the second seat at Visa Cash App RB. “I think he [Lindblad] did a great job,” said Mekies. “It’s so difficult to step up in FP1, so difficult. It’s very different to test days. You don’t have much tyres.
“You don’t have many laps. He did just a very good job. You have seen it on the timesheets by yourself. He was very calm. He gave all the right feedback. He didn’t put the foot wrong. He didn’t break the car. Honestly, he has impressed us on that FP1, no question about that.
“We look forward to the next time in the car towards the end of the year. For the decision, as we said, we accept that everyone would like us to decide. We are not in a rush. We will take all the time we need. Give these guys as many chances as they can have to demonstrate on track. We will do what’s best,” summed up Mekies.
Here’s Yuki Tsunoda on Mexico GP miss
Here’s Max Verstappen on Mexico GP
