Laurent Mekies during the Mexico Grand Prix weekend - Photo: Race Pictures

Mekies, Permane, Marko comment on delayed Red Bull 2026 driver choice

08:57, 25 Oct

Updated: 09:32, 25 Oct

bySamson Ero

The 2026 drivers’ line-up at Red Bull Racing and its sister team Racing Bulls is fast becoming a topical issue, with team executives Laurent Mekies, Helmut Marko, and Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane commenting on the delayed driver decision.

The trio, who spoke to Sky Sports during Friday’s action at the Mexico City Grand Prix, echoed relatively the same thoughts regarding the choice of their teams’ driver line-ups.

Marko, reacting following the conclusion of the first free practice, touched on the performance of rookie Arvid Lindblad, who clocked the sixth-fastest time of FP1, ahead of Yuki Tsunoda. The Red Bull Racing advisor praised his technical feedback and composure.

Arvid Lindblad during FP1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

“For Arvid, it was a very difficult situation. He was told, 'Don't do anything wrong, don't crash the car.' But he still delivered and was the fastest rookie, and I have to say his technical feedback was also impressive, so we are very happy with him.”

On when a decision will be made regarding Red Bull and Racing Bulls drivers in 2026, Marko said:

“We have got some answers, but I can't tell you what the driver line-up will be. We will wait a little bit, then decide. Let's see after the race here, then we will make some comments.”

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane - Photo: Race Pictures

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane was also quizzed about the team’s driver line-up. Speaking to Sky Sports, the 58-year-old opted for a more cautious response regarding the timeline for a decision on the teams’ drivers.

"I don't know if it will be after Brazil and Las Vegas, so don't take it too literally! There are five drivers. We know for sure Max won't be in our car. We are still looking at things. Both teams are in a reasonably tight Constructors' battle, so not talking about drivers for next year is helping that stability.”

Laurent Mekies during the Mexico Grand Prix weekend - Photo: Race Pictures

Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies offered a similar sentiment, emphasising patience about its 2026 driver line-up.

“We want to give Yuki and all our other drivers as much time as we can. I know we said in the past we may decide after Mexico, but really, there is no need for us to rush anything. He did a very good race in Austin. We will take our time, and when we feel ready, we will do it – no need to rush.”

Currently, Verstappen and Isack Hadjar appear to be the only drivers from the Red Bull driver pool with contracts for the 2026 campaign. Who teams up with them in their respective teams remains a question only time will reveal.