Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has revealed that Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies wants to make a decision on its 2026 driver pairings after this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen at Red Bull is the only confirmed driver within the energy drink company for next season, with rumours circulating within the paddock over who will take the other seats.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko revealed earlier in the year that Isack Hadjar has a contract for a 2026 race seat within the Austrian family, following what has been a remarkable debut campaign for the Racing Bulls driver.
The Frenchman is expected to become Verstappen’s new team-mate for next season and replace Yuki Tsunoda, who could be set for the exit door.
As for the sister team, it has been heavily rumoured that Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad is set for a promotion, creating a straight fight between Liam Lawson and Tsunoda for the second seat.
With the end of the season fast approaching, the Red Bull family is eager to make a decision on who will fill each seat for the start of the new power unit regulations.
According to Bayer, the organisation is also keen for a decision to be made out of "fairness and respect" for the current drivers waiting to learn their fate.
"The decision has to be made," Bayer told Sky DE. "Laurent Mekies, I think, has already announced that we would like to make a decision after Qatar.
"This is done for several reasons. On the one hand, we have to plan for the tyre test that will take place the week after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"On the other hand, of course, out of fairness and respect towards the drivers, you want to communicate the decision as soon as possible."
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