Red Bull are reportedly looking to terminate the contract of Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Speculations have been rife that Max Verstappen could join Mercedes, but so far, nothing has been confirmed.
According to a report from the Daily Star, Tsunoda is rumoured to be on his way out of Red Bull, and Verstappen is likely to have a new partner for the 2026 season.
However, if Verstappen leaves, Red Bull could have two vacant seats.
The Japanese driver has struggled badly in 2025. It has to be one of his disastrous campaigns in his career, contributing only seven points to the team’s halfway total of 172.
The likes of Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Liam Lawson have been previously ousted by Red Bull.
The report claims that the decision to terminate Tsunoda’s contract at the end of the season has already been made, although he will remain in place until then.
Helmut Marko will assume more control following the departure of Christian Horner. That will lead to a sea change in approach, and Red Bull is expected to scout internally for their next F1 prodigy.