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Red Bull’s 2026 F1 plans reportedly set to cost 15-time DNF driver his seat

Originally posted on HITC | By Ben Evans | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 7:10 AM ET

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s chief advisor, isn’t exactly known for being easy to impress.

Over the years, plenty of promising drivers have come through the system but failed to keep up with the standards set by names like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.

Pierre Gasly, Daniil Kvyat and Alex Albon are just a few examples of drivers who never really managed to win over Marko during their time with Red Bull.

The veteran Austrian is always on the lookout for new talent. Last season, that drive led him to push for Liam Lawson’s promotion when it became clear Daniel Ricciardo wasn’t going to recapture his old form.

This year, Arvid Lindblad has caught Red Bull’s attention as the next young driver they believe could make it in Formula 1.

Speaking exclusively to F1 Oversteer, Alex Jacques suggested that it’s only a matter of time before Lindblad makes his way into F1. Meanwhile, journalist Ralf Bach believes he knows which current driver Marko is considering dropping to bring the young Brit into their four-driver lineup.

Helmut Marko aims for Arvid Lindblad to join F1 in 2026, with Yuki Tsunoda expected to be dropped

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany after practice at the Dutch Grand Prix, Marko said: “We have extended the options and will watch a few more races. We want to make a decision in September or October.”

However, reporting for F1 Insider, journalist Ralf Bach explained: “It’s good for the public to say, ‘We’re still looking at it closely,”’

“But I know Helmut Marko a little bit: when he has his favourites, they are so firmly cemented that he wants to bring them into Formula 1.

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Bach also thinks Hadjar could be promoted and said: “Hadjar is likely to be promoted, and then Tsunoda will have to find a new cockpit. That means, in my opinion, Verstappen will be driving with Hadjar and Lindblad at Racing Bulls next year, together with Liam Lawson.”

Bach has no doubts that Lindblad will be in Formula 1 next year and continued: “That is Helmut Marko’s goal, so someone has to go.

“Red Bull probably does not want to keep Tsunoda, and someone has to move up so that Lindblad can get a free cockpit at Racing Bulls.”

Yuki Tsunoda’s future in F1 under review as Red Bull weigh up changes for 2026

Tsunoda is aware that the Dutch Grand Prix could be a crucial weekend in terms of shaping his season.

While Red Bull typically wait until later in the year to finalise their driver line-ups, it’s likely that internal decisions will be made much earlier than any official announcement.

Lindblad still has several races left this year to make his case, though he hasn’t exactly been lighting up the standings recently.

Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images

On the other hand, Tsunoda is on a seven-race point drought, which is arguably more concerning than Lindblad’s recent stretch with Campos.

Reports have linked Tsunoda with a possible move to Alpine for 2026, which would pair him once again with Pierre Gasly.

Even though Alpine are currently struggling at the bottom of the constructors’ standings, it’s a move Tsunoda may need to take seriously.

If Red Bull and Marko are set on bringing Lindblad into F1 for 2026, then Tsunoda’s camp will need to push hard for that Alpine seat. It might be his best—and possibly only—option left on the grid.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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