Martin Brundle warns Red Bull over “gamble” with 2026 F1 driver line-up

F1 commentator Martin Brundle has warned Crimson Bull over “playing” with their 2026 F1 driver line-up decisions.

Crimson Bull have three seats up for grabs for 2026.

Max Verstappen’s teammate for subsequent yr remains to be to be determined, whereas there are two seats accessible at Racing Bulls.

Isack Hadjar has loved a robust rookie season with Racing Bulls, scoring his maiden F1 podium on the Dutch Grand Prix.

Hadjar has held a decisive edge over Liam Lawson, who was dropped by Crimson Bull after two races.

Hadjar’s attainable promotion might spell the tip of Yuki Tsunoda’s time in F1.

Brundle feels that Tsunoda has had “his possibilities” within the sport however believes Hadjar may want one other season earlier than going up towards Verstappen.

“Yuki has had his possibilities, to be sincere,” Brundle instructed Sky F1. “Clearly Honda is shifting away from Crimson Bull as nicely, with that Japanese hyperlink. You’ve received to look to the longer term.

“The issue is, for subsequent yr, there’s such a dramatic change — the most important ever within the historical past of F1 with the facility items and the chassis — that you really want expertise, you need data.

“I believe Lawson is exhibiting some potential and a few upside. Hadjar, I don’t suppose you need to put him up into the primary crew. I believe he wants one other yr.”

Racing Bulls’ 2026 decisions

Racing Bulls should decide between Tsunoda and Lawson to guide the crew.

Given Tsunoda’s expertise in F1, his profile doesn’t match RB’s function of discovering the subsequent Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel.

Lawson has proven flashes of tempo since his demotion and may lead the crew alongside Arvid Lindblad.

Lindblad is at the moment competing in Components 2 — F1’s foremost junior sequence — and has pushed for Crimson Bull in two FP1 classes this yr.

“Lindblad is trying actually good, however does he want a bit extra expertise? It’s a raffle,” Brundle added.

“They’ll say ‘we refer you to Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel once we put younger guys in, and in the event that they’re ok, they will deal with it’.

“I think it’s a heavy dialogue as to whether or not they’re going to take a threat on Hadjar in the primary crew and Lindblad within the Racing Bulls.”