Isack Hadjar secures Red Bull seat for 2026
Max Verstappen will have a new teammate in 2026, with Isack Hadjar to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull Racing.
Hadjar has impressed in his rookie season in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls, the highlight being a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The French driver, who only turned 21 in September, has risen through the motorsport ranks, culminating in a second place finish in the 2024 Formula 2 season with Campos Racing. His exploits in F2 earned him the nickname ‘le Petit Prost’ in French media, after France’s only Formula 1 world champion, Alain Prost.
Hadjar said about the promotion: “I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One. After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward.
Red Bull’s 2026 driver lineup will now combine youth and experience as the sport sees its biggest shake-up in years due to new technical regulations.
Tsunoda switches to reserve role
Yuki Tsunoda, who replaced Liam Lawson at Red Bull earlier in 2025, has failed to impress since being promoted from Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver has yet to secure a podium finish in 21 races and is now without a team for 2026. Tsunoda, who competed in over 100 races for Red Bull and Racing Bulls, will now take on the role of Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said of Tsunoda: “Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards.”
Arvid Lindblad replaces Hadjar at Racing Bulls
Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull has allowed Arvid Lindblad to step into the world of Formula 1, becoming the 20th Red Bull Junior Programme driver to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
The 18 year old, who is a British and Swedish national, has spent 2025 with Campos Racing in Formula 2 and also won the 2025 Formula Regional Oceania Championship with M2 Competition. He has been a member of the Red Bull Junior team since 2021.
Lindblad said: “Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One so it’s a proud moment to take this step. I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support.”
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull Content Pool