Red Bull Confirms Tsunoda's New Role and Pays Tribute to His Contributions
Red Bull has announced its 2026 driver lineups, confirming Yuki Tsunoda will move to a test and reserve role. Isack Hadjar is promoted to a race seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, while Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will drive for Racing Bulls. Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda's growth as a 'complete racer' and highlighted Hadjar's 'raw speed' as key to Red Bull's future success with its new powertrain.
Red Bull has confirmed Yuki Tsunoda will not occupy a race seat in 2026, transitioning instead to a test and reserve driver role. This decision sees Isack Hadjar promoted to a full-time race seat alongside Max Verstappen, while Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will race for Racing Bulls.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's 2026 driver lineup reshapes the future of both its F1 teams. Promoting Hadjar alongside Verstappen signals Red Bull's faith in fresh talent for its 'senior' team, while Tsunoda's retention in a development role highlights his continued value to the Red Bull family, especially as the team gears up for significant regulation changes with Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
The Details:
- Driver Lineup for 2026:
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar
- Racing Bulls: Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad
- Yuki Tsunoda's New Role: Tsunoda will serve as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull in 2026, continuing his work within the team.
- Laurent Mekies' Praise for Tsunoda: Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies lauded Tsunoda's progression, calling him a 'complete racer' with an infectious personality who has been a 'very special part of the Red Bull family' for seven years. He emphasized Tsunoda's invaluable support for the 2026 projects.
- Isack Hadjar's Promotion: Hadjar's rapid progress, including a maiden podium finish at Zandvoort, led to his promotion. Mekies praised Hadjar's 'maturity, quick learning, and raw speed,' expressing confidence that he will 'thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track.'
- Red Bull Ford Powertrains: The 2026 season marks a 'huge challenge' as Red Bull operates as its own factory team for the first time with its new powertrain unit.
What's next:
Yuki Tsunoda will compete in one final race at Abu Dhabi before transitioning into his new test and reserve role for the 2026 season. The new driver lineups will face the significant challenges of the 2026 regulation changes, particularly for Red Bull as it debuts its Red Bull Ford Powertrains. The team is betting on Hadjar's potential to deliver 'magic' and contribute to a successful new era alongside four-time World Champion Max Verstappen.