Red Bull Confirms Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen's 2026 F1 Teammate
Red Bull has officially confirmed Isack Hadjar will join Max Verstappen as his teammate for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Hadjar's impressive 2025 performances for Racing Bulls, including a podium finish at the Dutch GP, secured his rapid promotion over Yuki Tsunoda. This move highlights Red Bull's ongoing strategy to bring young talent into its top team, despite the historical pressure of the second seat.
Red Bull has officially announced that Isack Hadjar will be promoted to the senior team, partnering Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This decision follows a period of speculation regarding Verstappen's future teammate, with Hadjar ultimately chosen over incumbent Yuki Tsunoda.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's choice to elevate Hadjar, a relative newcomer, underscores their commitment to nurturing young talent within their driver program. For Hadjar, this promotion signifies a rapid ascent in F1, placing him directly alongside a multiple world champion. This move will set a new dynamic within the team and could redefine the career trajectories of other Red Bull junior drivers.
The Details:
- Hadjar's Promotion: Isack Hadjar will join the Red Bull senior team for the 2026 season, making it only his second full season in Formula 1.
- Outperforming Rivals: Hadjar's strong performances for Racing Bulls in 2025, where he outscored teammate Liam Lawson, were a key factor in his promotion.
- Tsunoda's Tenure: Yuki Tsunoda, who received his long-awaited chance at the senior team from the 2025 Japanese GP, ultimately failed to secure the seat for 2026.
- 2025 Season Highlights: Hadjar's most notable performance in 2025 occurred at the Dutch GP. He qualified fourth and achieved his first career podium by finishing third after Lando Norris's retirement.
- Consistent Points Finishes: Throughout 2025, Hadjar recorded a total of nine points finishes, showcasing his consistent performance.
- The 'Poisoned Chalice': Hadjar will take on the challenging role often referred to as the 'poisoned chalice' – the second Red Bull seat. This position has seen a high turnover of drivers since 2018, including Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and now Yuki Tsunoda.
What's next:
With Hadjar confirmed for 2026, all eyes will be on his integration into the senior team and his ability to adapt to the immense pressure of partnering Max Verstappen. The coming seasons will be crucial for Hadjar to prove he can not only keep pace with one of F1's greatest drivers but also help Red Bull continue its championship aspirations. His performance will be a significant barometer for Red Bull's driver development pipeline and could influence future team decisions.