Red Bull Racing has confirmed significant changes to its driver line-up structure ahead of the 2026 motor racing season, parting ways with two drivers from its famed development programme. The moves underline a renewed strategic focus as the team prepares for one of the most important transitional seasons in Formula One history.
The energy drinks giant’s driver development programme has long been one of the most successful in motorsport. Over the years, it has nurtured numerous talents who went on to compete at the highest level — including multiple world champions. However, ahead of the 2026 campaign, Red Bull will no longer back Oliver Goethe and Tim Tramnitz within its driver fold.
Goethe’s departure marks a change following his full season in Formula 2 last year, where he competed alongside former Red Bull junior Richard Verschoor. Despite gaining valuable experience, Goethe ended the season 15th in the standings — a result that ultimately did not meet Red Bull’s expectations for continued support. Although he is no longer part of the Red Bull programme, Goethe is expected to remain active in F2 this season with MP Motorsport.
Tramnitz, meanwhile, has spent the past two seasons racing in Formula 3, ending last year in fourth place. Despite respectable results, reports indicated he could not secure a competitive seat for 2026 — a key condition set by Red Bull to justify continued backing. Without that seat, the German driver’s journey within the junior ranks has come to an end.
In addition to the departures of Goethe and Tramnitz, Red Bull has also released Jules Cantara and Christopher Feghali from its lower-category driver roster. This wider restructuring is part of a broader review of Red Bull’s talent pipeline, as the organisation looks to tighten its focus on drivers with the strongest prospects of future Formula 1 success.
These changes come amid ongoing shifts within Red Bull’s wider Formula One operations. While Red Bull has already announced the core line-up for its main team — with Max Verstappen retaining his seat and Isack Hadjar set to join as his new teammate — the focus on cultivating the next generation of drivers remains central to the team’s long-term strategy. Hadjar’s promotion to the senior team next season reflects this philosophy of rewarding performance and potential.
For fans and followers of junior categories, the exits of Goethe and Tramnitz represent notable stories in their own right. Both drivers have shown flashes of promise and will now pursue other opportunities outside the Red Bull umbrella as they look to advance their careers. For Red Bull, the reshuffle underscores a continual drive to refine and strengthen its pipeline — even if that means making tough calls on emerging talents.
The coming season will not only bring new technical regulations and a fresh competitive landscape in Formula 1, but also a reshaped ecosystem for the young stars aiming to follow in the footsteps of Verstappen and other Red Bull alumni.