Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen
Josh Lawless
One Red Bull driver looks to get the boot as part of a major shake-up which will see Max Verstappen be given a new partner.
Verstappen reminded fans of his prowess on the track at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza by beating McLaren pair and Formula One leaders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to storm to a 66th victory.
In recent times the four-time world champion's future has called into question - with Mercedes, Aston Martin and now Ferrari linked.
However, Verstappen has confirmed he will be staying put with Red Bull for the 2026 season - where they will be a plethora of new rules which look set to change the sport.
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And there could also be wholesale changes at Red Bull, as per a new report from auto motor sport.
According to writer Tobias Gruner, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko has been on the hunt for a new driver to partner Vertstappen for quite some time but hasn't quite been successful in his recruitment.
However, it is described as an "open secret" that Isack Hadjar will be Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull next season.
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The 20-year-old made his F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix with sister team Racing Bulls and secured his first ever podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, coming third behind Verstappen and Piastri on Zandvoort.
He is poised to be rewarded by making the step-up to Red Bull, where Yuki Tsunoda is currently after replacing Liam Lawson permanently just two races into the 2025 season from the Japanese Grand Prix.
Hadjar's progression could spark a further reshuffling, with Red Bull chiefs keen to give 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad a chance at the highest level.
Lindblad, born in England but with Swedish roots through his father, has been with Red Bull since 2021 when he signed with the junior team.
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He currently competes in Formula 2 and is seventh in the rankings in his maiden season.
Getting the call-up to Formula One with Racing Bulls would mean three of the four cockpits are occupied, with one of Lawson and Tsunoda the odd one out and ultimately having to move on.
Neither have set the world alight in recent times - with just 32 world championship points between them this campaign - and it will likely be a close fight between them for the final spot.