Red Bull Reportedly Decides on New Max Verstappen Teammate for F1 2026
Red Bull is reportedly set to announce Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen's new teammate for the 2026 F1 season, replacing Yuki Tsunoda. This move would see Hadjar, who has impressed in his rookie F1 season with a podium finish, join the team just as major technical regulations come into play. Tsunoda, who struggled for consistent points, is expected to leave the F1 grid entirely. The decision marks a significant shift for Red Bull as they aim to solidify their driver line-up ahead of a new era of Formula 1.
Red Bull is reportedly on the verge of announcing its 2026 F1 driver line-up, with a significant change expected alongside Max Verstappen. RacingNews365 suggests Isack Hadjar will be promoted to the main squad, replacing Yuki Tsunoda.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's driver decisions are always under intense scrutiny, as the second seat alongside Max Verstappen is one of the most coveted — and challenging — in F1. A change for 2026, coinciding with major regulation shifts, could signal a new strategic direction for the dominant team, aiming to solidify its future competitive advantage and ensure both cars are consistently fighting at the sharp end of the grid.
The Details:
- Isack Hadjar's Promotion: RacingNews365 understands that Isack Hadjar is set to be promoted to Red Bull for the 2026 season, making him Max Verstappen's fourth teammate in three years.
- Yuki Tsunoda's Departure: Following Hadjar's promotion, Yuki Tsunoda will reportedly leave the F1 grid entirely, as he will not be issued a drive at the Racing Bulls team. Tsunoda joined Red Bull earlier this year but has faced his own struggles, failing to consistently score points.
- Hadjar's Rookie Season: The French driver, who finished second in the 2024 F2 season, joined F1 this year. After a challenging start with a crash in Australia, Hadjar has had an eye-opening campaign, highlighted by an unexpected third-place podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
- Timing of Announcement: The official confirmation from Red Bull is reportedly expected as early as Tuesday.
- New Regulations: Hadjar's move to Red Bull in 2026 coincides with fresh technical regulations, which will bring significant changes to power unit and chassis rules, potentially leveling the playing field and putting a premium on adaptable drivers.
The Big Picture:
Red Bull's consistent struggle to find a stable and consistently performing second driver alongside Verstappen has been a recurring theme. With new regulations looming in 2026, the team is clearly looking to reset and ensure it has a line-up capable of maximizing its potential under the new rules. Hadjar's promotion, if confirmed, represents a gamble on youth and raw talent, hoping he can develop into a strong supporting driver for Verstappen and contribute to Red Bull's Constructors' Championship ambitions.
What's next:
If the reports are accurate, the official announcement from Red Bull is imminent, which will confirm Hadjar's move and Tsunoda's departure from the F1 grid. All eyes will then be on Hadjar as he prepares for the significant step up to a top team, particularly with the major technical overhaul coming in 2026. This decision will have ripple effects across the driver market, especially for other Red Bull junior drivers and teams looking for experienced talent.