Red Bull Confirms 2026 F1 Line-Up: Hadjar Joins Verstappen, Tsunoda Shifts Role
Red Bull has confirmed Isack Hadjar will partner Max Verstappen in 2026, promoting him from Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda will move into a new, non-racing role within Red Bull. McLaren has also signed F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli to its development program. Meanwhile, Guenther Steiner speculates on Lewis Hamilton's potential retirement if his Ferrari stint doesn't improve, and Alpine announces its 2026 launch date.
Red Bull has officially announced its 2026 F1 driver lineup, promoting Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen. This move solidifies the future for the senior team, while Yuki Tsunoda will transition into a new, unspecified role within Red Bull after being replaced in his F1 racing seat.
Why it matters:
- This decision significantly impacts the careers of both Hadjar and Tsunoda, reflecting Red Bull's long-term strategy for its driver development program.
- Securing a partner for Verstappen early allows Red Bull to focus on 2026 car development with a clear driver pairing.
- The shift for Tsunoda marks a pivotal moment, signaling a potential new direction for the Japanese driver's involvement with the team.
The Details:
- Red Bull Senior Team: Isack Hadjar, a rising talent, will be promoted to the senior Red Bull team to race alongside two-time world champion Max Verstappen in the 2026 season.
- Yuki Tsunoda's New Role: Following a challenging season with the Milton Keynes-based squad, Yuki Tsunoda will not continue as an F1 race driver in 2026. Instead, he will undertake new duties within the Red Bull team, though the specifics of this role are yet to be disclosed.
- Racing Bulls Line-up: With Hadjar's promotion, Racing Bulls, Red Bull's sister team, will feature a revised driver line-up for 2026, including a new rookie driver whose identity has not yet been revealed.
- McLaren's New Signings: McLaren has strengthened its driver development program by signing newly-crowned FIA Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. Fornaroli secured the F2 title in Qatar, adding to his 2024 FIA F3 crown, mirroring the success of current McLaren driver Oscar Piastri.
- Hamilton's Future: Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner suggests Lewis Hamilton could consider retirement if he fails to make significant progress with Ferrari in the upcoming season, following a difficult maiden year with the Scuderia.
- Alpine's 2026 Launch: Alpine has become the fourth F1 team to announce its 2026 launch plans, scheduled for January 23rd in Barcelona, with Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, and key senior management present.
What's next:
The confirmed driver line-up for Red Bull's senior team sets the stage for their 2026 campaign, allowing them to fully concentrate on the new technical regulations. The details of Yuki Tsunoda's new role are eagerly anticipated, as is the announcement of the rookie driver joining Racing Bulls. The upcoming season will also be critical for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, with his performance potentially dictating his long-term future in the sport. Alpine's early launch plans indicate a proactive approach to the new regulations.