Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has stated that the squad will “take a bit more time” before settling on their driver line-up for 2026, with the futures of Yuki Tsunoda and the Racing Bulls pairing yet to be decided.
After a swap saw Tsunoda switch places with Liam Lawson following the opening two rounds of the season, the Japanese driver faced some tricky outings as he adapted to the RB21 but has appeared to be on a stronger run more recently.
While he just missed out on points at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Tsunoda’s performance during the weekend was praised by Mekies, who admitted that a slow pit stop had impacted the 25-year-old’s likelihood of finishing within the top 10.
“I think Yuki had his best weekend in a long time,” Mekies commented after the race. “We have said that a few times, but it is true. He was very, very close in Quali to Max [Verstappen]. I think it was two-tenths in Q2.
“Today, the first stint was very, very strong as well, two-tenths, three-tenths to Max, on the same very long first stint on the medium [tyre].
“Then after, fair enough, I think it’s on our side, we left him out a bit longer because there was an advantage for us to do that and we had a slightly long pit stop, so we killed a few points that he would have scored on merit. Of course, it’s one of the reasons why we want to take a bit more time before we make a decision on drivers.
“Yuki is making steps forward, the other kids are making steps forward as well, so we have no reason to rush a decision, so we will take a bit more time.”
F2 driver Arvid Lindblad has been linked to a step up to Formula 1 with Racing Bulls in 2026 and, while Mekies spoke positiviely about the 18-year-old’s recent FP1 appearance in Mexico, the team boss reiterated that the decision over next year’s drivers will not be rushed.
“I think he did a great job. It’s so difficult to step up in FP1, so difficult,” said Mekies. “It’s very different to test days – you don’t have much tyres, you don’t have many laps, and he did just a very good job. You have seen on the timesheets, but he was very calm, he gave all the right feedback, didn’t put a foot wrong, didn’t break the car.
“So, honestly, he has impressed us on that FP1, no question about that. And we look forward to the next time in the car, towards the end of the year. To have a decision, as we said, as much as we accept that everyone would like us to decide, the truth is we are not in a rush.
“We will take all the time we need, give these guys as many chances as they can have to demonstrate on track who was the best.”
Mekies went on to acknowledge the balance that is required regarding the timing of settling on a driver line-up, given the desire to keep everyone focused on the end of the season whilst also recognising that those involved need to know their futures.
“You are right in saying that there is also a focus element in our decision to delay,” the Team Principal conceded. “We don’t need the distraction now. But what is at stake is exactly what you described.
“The parameters are… we are lucky enough, we are free to choose, but we need to choose, and therefore, the only parameter is the one you mentioned.”
And when asked if there was a possibility of the decision not being made until after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Mekies added: “No, it will be before.”
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