OFFICIAL: Hadjar to Partner Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026, Tsunoda Out

Red Bull has officially confirmed Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen's new teammate for the 2026 Formula 1 season, leaving Yuki Tsunoda without a seat. This move follows Hadjar's impressive rookie season, where he secured a podium and consistently scored points, earning him a swift promotion.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's decision to promote Hadjar underscores their ongoing strategy of developing and fast-tracking young talent into their top team. This shake-up signals a significant shift in the team's driver lineup, potentially impacting the competitive dynamics at the front of the grid and Tsunoda's F1 career.

The Details:

• Hadjar's Promotion: Red Bull's Milton Keynes team confirmed Hadjar's move to partner Verstappen in 2026, validating earlier reports.
• Rookie Season Success: Hadjar had an impressive rookie season in Formula 1, including a podium finish and consistent point scoring, which paved the way for his promotion.
• Racing Bulls Changes: Racing Bulls announced that Arvid Lindblad will make his F1 debut in 2025, filling Hadjar's spot. Liam Lawson will retain his seat after an earlier demotion in the season.
• Tsunoda's Exit: Yuki Tsunoda is left without an F1 seat, with hopes of returning in 2027. His 2025 season saw him score only 33 points, significantly less than Hadjar's 51 points (despite Hadjar driving a technically inferior car) and Lawson's 38 points.
• Lindblad's Debut: Despite not winning the F2 title, Arvid Lindblad, one of Red Bull's promising young talents, will debut in F1 just after his 18th birthday.

What's next:

The 2026 season will mark a new era for Red Bull with Hadjar alongside Verstappen, while Tsunoda will be looking for opportunities to return to the grid. Lindblad's debut will be keenly watched as Red Bull continues to cycle through its junior program for future F1 stars.