Fernando Alonso-backed driver now set to abandon 2026 F1 hopes with Racing Bulls

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Racing Bulls are yet to confirm their driver line-up for 2026 as Red Bull are set to evaluate their options over the next few races.

Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson are out of contract in 2025, as is Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda. Speculation has been rife as to where the team’s drivers will end up come 2026.

The general feeling is that Tsunoda will leave the Milton Keynes outfit, with Hadjar set to join Red Bull and partner with Max Verstappen. The Frenchman has been hugely impressive in his rookie season, scoring his maiden podium at Zandvoort.

Lawson has displayed improved performances with Racing Bulls since his demotion from Red Bull two races into 2025. The New Zealander is in contention for 2026, with it being reported that Tsunoda could reunite with Lawson at the Faenza squad.

But Racing Bulls could also snub Lawson and Tsunoda, as they have other talents coming through the junior ranks. Red Bull are preparing Arvid Lindblad for F1, while Helmut Marko is interested in Alex Dunne following his release from McLaren.

Fernando Alonso-backed Pepe Marti set to abandon Racing Bulls chances as he eyes Formula E seat

Another driver that was potentially in the mix, or perhaps an outsider, was Pepe Marti. The Spaniard is in his second season in Formula 2, currently sitting sixth in the standings with three wins.

Marti, who is backed by Fernando Alonso and his management agency, is beating Lindblad in F2, with Dunne ahead in fifth. However, Red Bull hold Lindblad in high regard and seem to favour the Brit over him for an F1 seat.

This may explain why the 20-year-old is now looking at other options in motorsport. According to a report from The Race, Marti is ‘under serious consideration’ for a seat in Formula E in 2025/26.

The Spaniard has been in ‘detailed talks’ with the Cupra Kiro team for ‘several weeks’, which would see him partner with former Red Bull and Williams F1 junior Dan Ticktum in the all-electric series.

It is incredibly rare for an F1 prospect to go to Formula E and then land a seat in the pinnacle of motorsport – Nyck de Vries being the notable exception. A move to the series will abandon all hope of joining Racing Bulls in 2026 and will likely end his F1 chances entirely.

READ MORE: All to know about Racing Bulls from team principal to Red Bull affiliation

Who should race for Racing Bulls in the 2026 F1 season?

With Marti out of the running and Dunne not a realistic option, Red Bull have a decision to make between four of their drivers.

Hadjar looks bound for Red Bull, while Lawson is likely to stay in Faenza. Lindblad ‘truly believes’ he will race for Racing Bulls in 2026, with Marko seeing him as Verstappen’s successor.

If this were to happen, Tsunoda would likely join Aston Martin as a reserve driver. Honda want to keep their driver in F1, and their engine deal with the Silverstone squad stands as his ‘last’ chance if he leaves the Red Bull family.

The team have a headache with their driver line-ups, especially heading into the 2026 F1 regulations. Tsunoda has not performed to standard in 2025, but promoting Hadjar too soon could have a damaging effect on his career, given the fate of Verstappen’s teammate since 2018.

Red Bull must retain their 2025 line-up in 2026 for continuity. Tsunoda deserves more time in a better-developed car under Laurent Mekies, while Hadjar and Lawson can continue their progression at Faenza – Lindblad may not yet be ready for F1.