Gary Anderson ‘pretty sure’ one driver could lose his seat for 2026 if he doesn’t keep matching his best-ever F1 result

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The Formula 1 driver market could throw up some exciting moves for the 2026 season, in time for the new technical regulations.

Most teams on the grid already have their drivers confirmed for next season, with many on long-term contracts. However, there are some spots available on the grid for 2026, and the F1 driver market could yet spark chaos with rumours surrounding key drivers’ futures.

Max Verstappen is being heavily linked with Mercedes, with there being exit clauses in his Red Bull contract that runs until 2028. The Silver Arrows are yet to tie down George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to new deals, which leaves their futures up in the air for next season.

Russell thinks Toto Wolff will retain him if Mercedes signs Verstappen, although it is widely believed that the Dutchman will stay put for 2026. Red Bull have enough of a headache on their hands as it is with drivers, as all other remaining seats in their line are available for 2026.

Yuki Tsunoda has an ‘almost 0%’ chance of staying in F1 after 2025, with Racing Bulls talent Isack Hadjar being tipped to replace him. Teammate Liam Lawson is also out of contract at the end of the season, with his long-term future in F1 currently uncertain.

Gary Anderson is ‘pretty sure’ Liam Lawson will lose his Racing Bulls seat in 2026 if he doesn’t match his best result

The New Zealander was dealt a severe blow at the start of 2025 as Red Bull dropped him after two races. He failed to reach Q2 or score points in Melbourne and Shanghai as he struggled with the RB21, yet Lawson insists he did not lose confidence while at the team.

He felt that he needed more time at Red Bull, but he now finds himself fighting for his seat at Racing Bulls. Since his demotion, Hadjar has had the better of him as he struggles for consistent results.

Lawson did enjoy his best finish in F1 with an impressive P6 in Austria. But with that being his second points finish of the season, Gary Anderson is ‘pretty sure’ that the 23-year-old will lose his seat for 2026 if he cannot match that result.

He assessed Racing Bulls’ performances in 2025 via The Race, saying: “From a team point of view, drivers moving around like musical chairs can be very disruptive. Any team plans its developments around the drivers’ needs and if that keeps changing it can alter your priorities.

“Racing Bulls is a sister act to Red Bull but has its own way of doing things. Yes, it uses what is possible from Red Bull but the car’s aerodynamic philosophy is very different.

“That means it is a more driver-friendly car, however one that while it might lack a little in terms of peak downforce, as proved by the fact that it isn’t the strongest car in the fast corners it’s one that the drivers can extract the most from.

“While Hadjar has proved his worth, there’s still question marks over the second seat with Lawson’s difficult season. However, he appeared to find himself again with a great weekend in Austria so needs to repeat that, or else I’m pretty sure Arvid Lindblad will be taking his seat.”

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls F1 driver Liam Lawson? Everything you need to know

Arvid Lindblad is gunning for a seat at Racing Bulls in 2026

Red Bull are weighing their options for the 2026 season, looking towards their junior talents for the future. Arvid Lindblad is being heavily linked with an F1 seat for next year, with the F2 star recently obtaining an FIA superlicence.

The 17-year-old has been conducting numerous TPC tests and has impressed the team in these private outings. He made his F1 debut in FP1 at the British GP, where Lindblad matched Tsunoda’s pace; alarming for the latter, but a major boost for the former’s future.

The Brit is being tipped as Red Bull’s next rising talent, with Helmut Marko even likening him to Verstappen. However, Lindblad does not want to be called ‘the next Verstappen’ as he wants to make a name for himself in the sport.

With Red Bull’s driver line-up set to change for 2026, Lindblad ‘truly believes’ he will race for Racing Bulls next season. Currently sitting sixth in F2, 38 points behind championship leader Richard Verschoor, a strong finish to the year will put him in good standing for a promotion.