Red Bull make decision on new Max Verstappen team-mate in seven-word statement

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has shot down the possibility of Alex Palou becoming Max Verstappen's team-mate next season. The six-time Constructors' Championship winners are yet to confirm their line-up for 2026 with Yuki Tsunoda facing an uncertain future. He has struggled to impress on a consistent basis since replacing Liam Lawson after just two races of the current campaign.

It has led to speculation that Tsunoda could be replaced by another driver in time for next season. Earlier this week, it was reported that Palou had been earmarked as Red Bull's preferred choice to partner Verstappen in 2026. He recently won his fourth IndyCar title in five seasons and was reportedly close to joining McLaren two years ago.

Marko was quizzed on those rumours ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix but was quick to shoot them down, insisting: "Absolutely nothing to it. It's not true."

Red Bull are hoping to make a decision on their 2026 line-up by the end of October, according to Kleine Zeitung. A number of potential candidates have been linked with the team, including Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar and F2 racer Arvid Lindblad.

Hadjar appears to be the most likely candidate, given Red Bull's tendency to promote drivers from their sister outfit. However, it has been claimed that he does not want to make the switch and would prefer to stay at Racing Bulls next season.

Lindblad would be a gamble for Red Bull but has shown great promise in F2, mounting a title challenge in his debut campaign. The teenage Brit has already driven in free practice this season, stepping in for Tsunoda at the British Grand Prix.

Quizzed on Lindblad's development over the last few months, Marko said: "He is doing just fine. We're right on schedule there. He's fully involved and will have several more appearances with us this year."

Next season will mark Laurent Mekies' first full campaign as team principal and Marko believes he has already improved things at Red Bull since replacing Christian Horner.

"He's been getting to grips with the team, familiarising himself with the structures and staff," explained Marko. "In the medium term, we're working on a kind of decentralisation.

"The individual departments will have their own heads, who will then largely report to Laurent. Rob Gray, for example, is heading the RB17 project, and Ben Hodgkinson is heading the engine department.

"They've been given a bit more responsibility for their areas. This allows Mekies to concentrate more on the race team. There's already been progress there because he's simply an excellent technician."

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express F1 newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.