Final Chance for 2026: Why the Four Remaining Unsigned Drivers Need to Perform In Austin
With Toto Wolff’s announcement of the 2026 Mercedes drivers, only four seats remain on the grid for next season. The driver market is narrowing thin, and a few current drivers are still without a seat. Teams are looking to finalize long-term, consistent drivers ahead of the major regulation changes coming in 2026. For the drivers without a contract, the Circuit of the Americas in Austin this weekend may be their final chance to prove they deserve a seat on the grid.
The highest-scoring driver still left unsigned for 2026 is rookie Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar. He currently sits in ninth in the driver's ranking and is the second-best performing first-year driver. Hadjar earned his first podium at the Dutch Grand Prix this year, finishing in third place. He has proven to be a promising option as Red Bull’s second driver, demonstrating his professionalism and ability to stay focused in challenging situations. Despite Hadjar’s strong results this season, he remains unsigned to Racing Bulls, Red Bull, or any team for 2026.
Hadjar’s teammate, Liam Lawson, also remains unsigned for the 2026 calendar season. Initially a Red Bull driver, Lawson was demoted to Racing Bulls early on this season. He has proven to be inconsistent, having delivered only 30 points so far. Lawson has struggled to maintain the level of composure and consistency of his teammates. This upcoming race weekend is a test for Lawson to show he can handle the pressure and competitiveness in F1.
Yuki Tsunoda is currently Red Bull’s second driver and is unconfirmed for 2026. So far, he is 17th in the driver’s ranks and has failed to deliver points for the team. Austin could help Tsunoda prove himself as a reliable second driver and a long-term option for the team. The fourth driver without a seat next season is Alpine’s Franco Colapinto. He is the worst-performing driver on the grid and has not earned a single point this year. If he can deliver a top-ten finishing performance at the Circuit of the Americas, Colapinto may prove to Alpine that he deserves another opportunity to prove himself next year.
Austin is a statement opportunity before the season finishes for the four unsigned drivers to prove themselves. These four drivers face immense pressure to perform strongly under the lights of the Circuit of the Americas. A standout result could be the lifeline they need to keep their Formula 1 career alive for 2026. Yet, a mistake could be the difference between staying on the grid and never driving in F1 again.
