Red Bull Explains 'Magic' Behind Isack Hadjar's Promotion to Partner Verstappen

Red Bull has announced a significant shake-up to its 2026 driver line-up, promoting Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen. This move sees Yuki Tsunoda transition to a test and reserve driver role, as the team looks to Hadjar to deliver strong results in a new era of technical regulations. Team Principal Laurent Mekies cited Hadjar's rapid adaptation and raw speed as the "magic" ingredients for this high-stakes promotion.

Why it matters:

This driver change signals Red Bull's clear strategy to bring in fresh talent and harness the potential of their junior program ahead of the pivotal 2026 season. With major technical regulation changes on the horizon, securing a driver who can quickly adapt and perform alongside a four-time champion like Verstappen is critical for maintaining their competitive edge.

The Details:

• Driver Change: Isack Hadjar, a product of Red Bull's junior program, will replace Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen's teammate starting in 2026.
• Tsunoda's New Role: Yuki Tsunoda, who had a challenging season, will move into a test and reserve driver position.
• Mekies' Praise for Hadjar: Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies expressed strong confidence in Hadjar, highlighting his rapid learning curve and inherent speed in his inaugural F1 season.
  • Mekies stated, "In his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner." He added, "Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport."
• "Magic" Alongside Verstappen: Mekies believes Hadjar can "thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track," emphasizing the team's high expectations for the 21-year-old.
• 2026 Regulations: The promotion is strategically timed for the 2026 season, which will introduce major technical regulation changes, presenting a significant challenge for both the team and Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
• Junior Program Success: Hadjar's promotion comes almost five years after he first joined Red Bull's famed junior program, underscoring the success of their talent development pipeline.

What's next:

Isack Hadjar will become the fourth driver to partner Max Verstappen in three seasons, a role that has proven challenging for many. Red Bull is betting on Hadjar's unique blend of maturity and speed to overcome the pressure and deliver consistent results. The success of this pairing will be a crucial factor in how Red Bull navigates the new technical era, with all eyes on whether Hadjar can indeed produce the "magic" needed to complement Verstappen's championship pursuit.