Red Bull’s second seat has always been the make-or-break for several drivers and is infamous for being unforgiving. The team endures one of the worst Formula 1 seasons in 2025, which has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Once a dominant powerhouse, the team is now facing a turbulent stretch filled with challenges both on and off the track. Struggles with their car’s performance, especially seen at races like the Hungarian Grand Prix, have made it tough for even top driver Max Verstappen to maintain his usual dominance.
Alongside technical difficulties, Red Bull has also gone through significant internal shakeups, including the surprise firing of long-time team principal Christian Horner. With big names leaving and new leadership stepping in, this season feels like a crossroads for Red Bull.
And a big part of this drama revolves around the all-important second seat at Red Bull. So, who could land Red Bull’s second seat in 2026? Let’s see all possibilities.
Red Bull’s Second Seat In 2025
In 2025, young Kiwi driver Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull’s second seat with high hopes to partner Verstappen, replacing Sergio Pérez. But Lawson’s start has been rocky. After just two races, where he struggled to keep up, crashing in Australia and finishing outside the top points in China, Red Bull made one of its trademark ruthless moves.
Liam was immediately swapped out and sent back to Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. In came Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, who himself has had an uneven adaptation period, trying to handle the high-pressure environment of the main team.
As for Lawson, his contract is expected to conclude at the end of 2025. Although he showed good progress after moving back to the junior team, scoring points and impressing in races like Austria, his future at Red Bull’s top level remains uncertain. Tsunoda’s contract is also coming to an end this year, and the team hasn’t yet made a final call on whether to keep him in Red Bull’s second seat for 2026.
So, who could land Red Bull’s second seat in 2026?
The options are wide open, and the team’s decision will be one of the most talked-about moves in F1.
First, there is the chance Red Bull could stick with Yuki Tsunoda if he manages to pull together stronger performances before the season ends. The team principal and advisors have mentioned that Tsunoda is not entirely out of the running for Red Bull’s second seat yet. His experience inside the Red Bull system and gradual growth could work in his favor.
Then, there’s Liam Lawson. Although demoted, Lawson remains a part of the Red Bull family and has been backed by some insiders for contract renewal, potentially giving him a shot at returning if he keeps impressing in the junior ranks. His youth and proven raw speed make him a candidate worth considering for Red Bull’s second seat.
Another shining prospect is Isack Hadjar, who has shocked many with unexpectedly strong performances in the junior Racing Bulls team. Many see him as a diamond in the rough, ready to graduate to Formula 1’s big stage, potentially replacing whoever fails to secure the spot. Along with Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad is also making waves in the junior categories and could be a future driver for Red Bull’s feeder team or even the senior squad.
To sum it up, Red Bull’s second seat for 2026 is still very much up for grabs amid a season of surprise driver changes, car troubles, and leadership shifts. Whether it’s Yuki Tsunoda holding on, Liam Lawson making a comeback, a promising youngster like Isack Hadjar stepping up, or a major driver transfer shaking up the grid, the battle for that coveted seat is going to be one of the hottest stories in F1 next year.
Also read: Yuki Tsunoda Endures Red Bull’s Worst Run In History
