The picture for the Red Bull driver lineup is beginning to clarify amidst speculation regarding Dunne.
"The situation is favorable."
The lineup for Red Bull Racing in 2026 is still uncertain, especially after Alex Dunne's unexpected exit from McLaren's young driver program. The Irish teen, who recently received accolades from Dr. Helmut Marko and was seen in discussions with him, confirmed his departure from McLaren, a year that included an F1 test and two FP1 appearances. "As of today, I have mutually agreed to leave the McLaren Driver Development program," Dunne stated. McLaren expressed their best wishes for him, while rumors quickly connected him to the Red Bull team. However, a spokesperson was cautious, saying, "Alex is a talented driver who has caught the attention of many in the paddock, but Red Bull will only comment on drivers already within our program." Marko has previously acknowledged that only Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have assured contracts for 2026. Hadjar, who is currently making a mark at Racing Bulls, is anticipated to either elevate to a position alongside Verstappen or continue to lead the junior team. "It’s a good position to be in," Hadjar remarked in Singapore. "Yet, throughout my career, I’ve always had to chase until the very last race. It certainly alleviates some pressure." On the other hand, Yuki Tsunoda is increasingly expected to leave Red Bull Racing for a reserve role at Aston Martin. "I haven’t yet discussed my future with Helmut," admitted the Japanese driver. "For me, it’s clear that I need to demonstrate my abilities each week. I’ve been feeling more confident lately and am gradually grasping the car better, so things are indeed heading in a positive direction." Regarding Liam Lawson, the New Zealander admits to still waiting apprehensively. "No, typically calls from Helmut only come after a poor race, so I haven’t heard much," he said with a smile. "Honestly, I would like to know tomorrow, but in this industry, it's common to feel anxious. Until I receive an answer, I’ll continue to focus on scoring points and performing well in races."
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