Red Bull reshuffled their Formula 1 driver line-ups last month. Liam Lawson graduated from Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen, with Isack Hadjar replacing him.
But there’s no indication that these pairings are set for the long term. Indeed, Lawson has only signed a one-year deal after replacing Sergio Perez.
He still needs to prove his worthiness for a frontrunning drive given that he only has 11 races of Formula 1 experience. Christian Horner will keep a ‘close eye’ on Yuki Tsunoda in case he’s needed.
| YEAR | DEPARTING DRIVER | REPLACEMENT | WINDOW |
| 2025 | Sergio Perez | Liam Lawson | Off-season |
| 2021 | Alex Albon | Sergio Perez | Off-season |
| 2019 | Pierre Gasly | Alex Albon | Mid-season |
| 2019 | Daniel Ricciardo | Pierre Gasly | Off-season |
| 2016 | Daniil Kvyat | Max Verstappen | Mid-season |
| 2015 | Sebastian Vettel | Daniil Kvyat | Off-season |
| 2014 | Mark Webber | Daniel Ricciardo | Off-season |
But Red Bull have repeatedly snubbed Tsunoda, who will remain with the de facto junior team for a fifth straight season. His contract expires at the end of the year, and with his backers Honda leaving the team, he could be on his way out.
Like Lawson, Hadjar has only signed a contract for the 2025 season. Max Verstappen would appear to be the most secure, but even then there’s uncertainty around his future.
Horner expressed confidence Verstappen would stay, but they’ll have to fend off strong interest from Aston Martin and Mercedes. Thus, it’s not hard to envision multiple departures – for one reason or another – in the next couple of years.
F1 paddock now expect Red Bull to sign Arvid Lindblad
According to a report from RacingNews365 NL, Red Bull are ‘very keen’ on Arvid Lindblad. Oliver Goethe and Pepe Marti also race in their colours in Formula 2, but Lindblad is the one they’re truly excited about.
The 17-year-old will graduate from F3 this year, having won four races last term en route to fourth in the championship. He must continue on his current trajectory, but he’s already completed ‘the first steps’ towards F1.
‘Secretly’, nobody in the F1 paddock has any doubt that Lindblad will find a seat. He could ‘easily end up on Red Bull’s list’.
This year, he’s expected to act as the reserve driver for both teams. Red Bull are urgently training Lindblad with private test sessions so he has the superlicence points required to deputise in the event of an absence.
Johnny Herbert was stunned by one thing Arvid Lindblad did last season
Motorsport advisor Helmut Marko believes Lindblad can win the title for Red Bull. The team are looking for a ‘new champion’ after Verstappen, and Marko believes he may be the one.
The teenager has already earned significant praise from respected figures. Having acted as his mentor amidst his Formula E duties, Oliver Rowland has called Lindblad ‘special’.
He won his very first Formula 3 race in Bahrain last year, catching the eye of pundits. Johnny Herbert dubbed Lindblad’s drive ‘outstanding’, while Karun Chandhok hailed his ‘great race’.
Verstappen became F1’s youngest race-winner nearly a decade ago when he took victory on debut for Red Bull. The team haven’t been this excited about a young talent since.
