Racing Bulls set for 2026 reset after rising stars handed promotions

Racing Bulls delivered its most encouraging Formula 1 season in recent memory in 2025, climbing to sixth in the constructors’ championship with 92 points and securing its first podium finish in five years. 

The Faenza-based outfit's campaign was defined by a tale of two drivers, each navigating vastly different career trajectories within Red Bull’s complex driver ecosystem.

Isack Hadjar’s rookie season provided the undeniable highlight of Racing Bulls’ year. The 21-year-old Frenchman adapted quickly to F1’s demands, culminating in a breakthrough third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix that silenced doubters within Red Bull’s corridors of power. 

His 51-point tally and 12th place in the drivers’ championship represented a solid foundation year, demonstrating the race-winning potential that Red Bull had identified during his junior career progression.

Hadjar’s consistent point-scoring efforts, including sixth-place finishes at Monaco and Las Vegas, showcased his ability to maximise opportunities in the competitive midfield battle. 

His Zandvoort podium not only delivered Racing Bulls their most significant result in half a decade but also convinced Red Bull management that he possessed the qualities needed for promotion to the senior team.

Liam Lawson’s season told a different story entirely. The 23-year-old New Zealander endured a challenging campaign that began with a brief, unsuccessful stint at Red Bull before his demotion back to the sister team after just two rounds. 

His early struggles in Australia and China exposed the pressure of racing alongside Max Verstappen, leading to an early-season realignment that saw him replace the promoted Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls.

Despite competing in all 24 races, Lawson’s 38-point haul reflected his inconsistent form throughout the year. Strong drives to fifth in Azerbaijan and seventh in Brazil demonstrated his underlying pace, but four retirements and numerous pointless finishes highlighted the growing pains of a driver seeking to establish himself at F1 level.

A 2026 reset

Racing Bulls’ sights are now firmly set on capitalising on F1’s 2026 regulation reset, with the team implementing a significant driver reshuffle that reflects both ambition and pragmatism. 

Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull, where he will partner Verstappen, creates space for fresh talent while maintaining Racing Bulls’ role as Red Bull’s talent incubator.

The retention of Lawson alongside incoming rookie Arvid Lindblad represents a calculated gamble on youth and adaptability. With 2026’s revolutionary active aerodynamics and revised power unit specifications creating a level playing field, Racing Bulls believes its young line-up can thrive without the burden of unlearning previous car characteristics.

Lindblad’s arrival from Red Bull’s junior programme adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s future prospects. The 18-year-old Briton brings promise despite his inconsistent Formula 2 campaign, with team management emphasising long-term development over immediate results.

This patient approach aligns with Racing Bulls’ strategic positioning as a development platform for future Red Bull stars.

The 2026 regulations offer Racing Bulls an opportunity to consolidate their position in the upper reaches of the constructors’ championship. Their sixth-place finish in 2025, ahead of established names like Aston Martin and Alpine, provides momentum heading into the sport’s most significant technical revolution since 2022. 

With experienced leadership under team principal Alan Permane and a driver pairing unencumbered by previous regulation knowledge, Racing Bulls appear well positioned to maintain their upward trajectory in the new era.