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

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

Pink Bull have three seats up for grabs for 2026.

Max Verstappen’s teammate for subsequent 12 months 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 Pink Bull after two races.

Hadjar’s attainable promotion might spell the top 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 informed Sky F1. “Clearly Honda is shifting away from Pink Bull as properly, with that Japanese hyperlink. You’ve obtained to look to the long run.

“The issue is, for subsequent 12 months, there’s such a dramatic change — the most important ever within the historical past of F1 with the facility models and the chassis — that you really want expertise, you need information.

“I believe Lawson is displaying some potential and a few upside. Hadjar, I don’t suppose you need to put him up into the principle staff. I believe he wants one other 12 months.”

Racing Bulls’ 2026 decisions

Racing Bulls should decide between Tsunoda and Lawson to steer the staff.

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

Lawson has proven flashes of tempo since his demotion and could lead on the staff alongside Arvid Lindblad.

Lindblad is at the moment competing in System 2 — F1’s important junior sequence — and has pushed for Pink Bull in two FP1 classes this 12 months.

“Lindblad is wanting actually good, however does he want a bit extra expertise? It’s a big gamble,” 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 adequate, 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 principle staff and Lindblad within the Racing Bulls.”