Helmut Marko and Isack Hadjar - Photo: Race Pictures

Marko: Verstappen and Hadjar confirmed amid Red Bull seat fight

18:30, 20 Sep

Updated: 21:31, 21 Sep

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byNorberto Mujica

Helmut Marko has revealed that not only Max Verstappen's seat is secured for 2026, but also Isack Hadjar's.

Isack Hadjar in Baku - Photo: Race Pictures

The only thing that is certain is that Verstappen and Hadjar have a contract. But where and in which position is still open.

- Helmut Marko

"The only thing that is certain is that Verstappen and Hadjar have a contract," said Marko in conversation with Kleine Zeitung. "But where and in which position is still open."

Regarding who will be in the running for the remaining two seats, Marko publicly reveals the candidates are Racing Bulls and Red Bull Racing drivers, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunodan and F2 talent Arvid Lindblad.

Speaking about Tsunoda, Marko outlined clear targets for the Japanese driver to hit if he wanted to retain his seat going into next year.

"We all still have hope with Yuki. For him, the goal for the rest of the year must be to finish in the points as often as possible and consistently. Then we'll see how it goes next year."

After winning the last race, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the Austrian top advisor claimed the atmosphere at Red Bull was positive with the team eager to answer a poignant question that immediatly arose after Max Verstappen took the checkered flag in P1 in Italy.

"The mood is very good [in the team], but we have to wait for Azerbaijan to see if the upswing is specific to the Monza circuit. But the feeling is positive."

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Verstappen bags scintillating pole in Baku, Lawson pips Hadjar

Verstappen emerged the fastest in the qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Red Bull hopeful Lawson qualifying in P3, as Tsunoda placed P6 and Hadjar found himself down in P8, the last of the Red Bull drivers.

GPblog understands that no decision has yet been made on who will fill the two remaining seats in Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.