Guenther Steiner predicts ‘one of the best’ F1 drivers could replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull in 2026

Yuki Tsunoda has waited more than four years to get his chance to drive for Red Bull Racing, but the opportunity arised in arguably the most difficult possible circumstances.

Red Bull overlooked Yuki Tsunoda at the end of the 2024 season when it became clear that Sergio Perez’s position within the team was untenable.

Team principal Christian Horner alongside chief advisor Helmut Marko made the call to promote the less experienced Liam Lawson into the role, citing how close he had gotten to Tsunoda’s qualifying and race pace after just a few Grand Prix.

However, Lawson struggled with Red Bull’s 2025 F1 car, finding the balance almost impossible to deal with.

Two races into the season, Red Bull promoted Tsunoda against Max Verstappen’s will, although the Dutchman didn’t disagree with racing alongside the 24-year-old, but instead the process that the team used to come to that decision.

Tsunoda scored Red Bull’s first double-points finish in Bahrain, but missed out on the top 10 on his debut at his home race in Japan, and crashed on the opening lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Red Bull only have Tsunoda on a one-year deal, and former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested one driver he believes could replace him next season.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda’s life outside F1 from height to parents

Guenther Steiner says Isack Hadjar could replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull in 2026

Steiner was asked on The Red Flags Podcast whether Red Bull will replace Isack Hadjar or Lawson with F2 star Arvid Lindblad next year and replied: “I think they want a little bit of calm in there.

“I mean Hadjar could go to Red Bull from V-CARB if Tsunoda goes. I mean, if Yuki doesn’t do anything good, I think it is a test for him.

“I don’t think that Yuki goes back to V-CARB, either he stays at Red Bull or he goes somewhere else or he goes home but I don’t think he goes back to V-CARB, and if that happens Hadjar, obviously, what we just said before, it will be that he’s a candidate for that one.

“At the moment, I see it staying how it is because I don’t think they will let Liam Lawson go after what happened in the beginning of this season.

“They will give him another second year at V-CARB and then see what to do and Lindblad is very young, so, I think we shouldn’t now jump to the conclusion because he won his first F2 race that he’s the next F1 world champion.”

READ MORE: Who is Racing Bulls 2025 F1 driver Isack Hadjar? Everything you need to know

Guenther Steiner explains how Isack Hadjar has already surprised him this season

Steiner was then asked whether Hadjar is the best rookie on the grid and explained, “It’s too early to say who is the best.

“We don’t have enough samples yet, the sample count is low. For sure, he’s one of the best, he’s doing very well, very mature, I didn’t expect that from him, not that I know him.

“But, he’s doing very well, but, I think you have to wait and then a few of them haven’t been given a real chance to shine.

“Like Bortoleto, that’s why I would say, just wait. I’m not saying no, but just wait, put the brake on.”

Hadjar and Tsunoda were very close together during their two race weekends as teammates, although it’s far too small a sample size to draw any real conclusions.

David Coulthard has suggested Hadjar was exceeded his expectations this season, especially after his spin on the formation lap in Australia.

Helmut Marko has praised Hadjar, which if he’s going to earn a Red Bull promotion is absolutely vital.

However, that second seat alongside Verstappen is the hardest position to fill on the Formula 1 grid, and throwing the Frenchman into that role so early in his career could be a problem.