Red Bull drops delay hint over major F1 line-up decision

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has hinted Red Bull will delay the decision over its 2026 F1 line-ups beyond its original deadline.

The Milton Keynes-based squad has consistently stated it would make the call prior to the end of the year, before team advisor Helmut Marko suggested it would finalise its decision after the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Four-time champion Max Verstappen has already been confirmed to be staying at Red Bull next year, while Isack Hadjar is widely expected to be promoted to his team-mate.

The two Racing Bulls seats are believed to be between Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.

Speaking during the Mexico City GP weekend, Mekies hinted that more time will be provided as the team seeks to make an informed decision.

“We want to give Yuki and all our other drivers as much time as we can,” Mekies told Sky F1. 

“And I know we’ve said in the past, we may want to decide after Mexico, but really, there is no need for us to rush anything.

“He’s done a very good race in Austin. He did an excellent session this morning [FP1]. 

“We will take our time, and when we feel we are ready, we’ll do it. No need to rush.”

Lindblad got behind the wheel during FP1 on Friday in Mexico and impressed with a lap that placed him in sixth.

When asked if Lindblad's outing gave the team some answers over its direction for 2026, team advisor Marko answered: “We got some answers, but I can’t tell you what the driver lineup will be.

“We will wait a little bit, and then we will decide. Let’s see after [the weekend] and then we will make some comments.”