F1 LIVE | Who's to be Verstappen's future teammate? Tsunoda to leave Red Bull Racing

Yuki Tsunoda will not return to Red Bull Racing in 2026, and the decision instantly shifts attention to who will take one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1. Verstappen’s future is still uncertain, but if he stays, his new teammate will almost certainly come from Red Bull’s junior ranks. Isack Hadjar is making a strong case with Racing Bulls, while 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad, already hyped as “the new Verstappen”, could be fast-tracked straight into F1.

If Verstappen leaves, however, the situation changes completely. A high-profile signing, possibly even George Russell, could be on the cards, while Red Bull could also pair Hadjar and Lindblad to start a new era. Whatever happens, Helmut Marko once again holds the key.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Racing stint looks set to end after this season, as the team prepares to move on following a disappointing run of results. The Japanese driver was promoted from Racing Bulls in an early-season gamble that hasn’t paid off, scoring just three points finishes in 10 races. According to GPblog sources, Tsunoda will leave at year’s end, though Red Bull has officially denied the reports.

Tsunoda, however, may already have a lifeline. With Honda supplying Aston Martin from 2026, a move to the Silverstone-based team as a reserve and test driver is being considered. Tsunoda has long been supported by Honda financially, making the switch logical. Options further down the grid appear limited, making Aston Martin his most realistic shot at staying in F1 as he enters what could be the final phase of his F1 career.