F1 LIVE | Another award for Verstappen as he can leave Red Bull despite having a contract

The race for Red Bull’s second seat in 2026 looks set to be a two-horse battle between Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad. GPblog understands that Hadjar remains the logical pick, having impressed with his pace and consistency at Racing Bulls. But questions linger over how he handles pressure and setbacks, something that has drawn Helmut Marko’s attention.

That’s where Lindblad enters the frame. The young Brit is being prepared like no other Red Bull junior, logging heavy simulator and test mileage with the 2026 car and even impressing in FP1 at Silverstone in the RB21.

Marko has already labeled him Red Bull’s “biggest talent,” even back in his F3 days, and some within Milton Keynes see him as Verstappen’s natural successor. If Marko follows his instincts, Hadjar might find himself overlooked, with Lindblad fast-tracked straight into F1’s most high-pressure seat, a move that would echo Verstappen’s own meteoric rise.

The chances of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull Racing for Mercedes in 2026 are increasing, with F1-Insider now reporting that Red Bull would not block a transfer, even if no exit clause is activated. GPblog has already confirmed Verstappen will make his decision before the summer break, and this latest development removes one of the biggest potential obstacles to a blockbuster move.

While the financial details remain unclear, sources suggest Red Bull would not demand an excessive buyout, preferring to part ways on good terms with the driver who has kept the team in the spotlight for years. If true, this signals that Red Bull, or at least Marko and Mintzlaff, are preparing for life after Verstappen, making his future one of the hottest talking points heading into the summer break.