Red Bull Racing has confirmed that French driver Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2026 Formula One season, marking another change in the team’s driver lineup.

The announcement was made on December 2, 2025, alongside news that Arvid Lindblad will join Liam Lawson at Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls. Lindblad, who holds British and Swedish nationality and has Indian heritage through his mother, will be the only rookie on the 2026 F1 grid.

Isack Hadjar’s Rise in Formula One

At just 21 years old, Isack Hadjar has impressed in his debut season with Racing Bulls. The young French driver achieved his first podium finish with a third-place result at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025, quickly establishing himself as one of Formula One’s most promising talents.

Red Bull Racing has praised Hadjar’s speed, consistency, and adaptability, stating that he will be a key addition alongside Max Verstappen, who is competing for a fifth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship. Hadjar will be the sixth driver to partner Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2018.

Yuki Tsunoda Leaves the Starting Grid

Yuki Tsunoda will step down from the Red Bull Racing seat but will remain with the team as a reserve driver. His departure also means that Formula One will no longer have a Japanese driver on the starting grid in 2026. Red Bull emphasized that Tsunoda played a vital role in the team’s development and will continue to contribute in his new role.

Hadjar’s promotion is part of a turbulent 12-month period for Red Bull’s second seat. Liam Lawson was initially named as Sergio Perez’s replacement in December 2024, followed by Tsunoda in March 2025 after the opening two Grand Prix races. Hadjar now becomes the third driver in just one year to occupy the seat alongside Verstappen.

Verstappen and Red Bull’s Championship Ambitions

Max Verstappen heads into the final race of the 2025 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix aiming for his fifth consecutive world title. The Verstappen-Hadjar pairing for 2026 will focus on maintaining Red Bull Racing’s dominance in Formula One while developing Hadjar’s potential as a long-term teammate.

Red Bull Racing team principal praised the duo, saying:

“Max is a proven champion, and Isack has the talent and mindset to complement him perfectly. Together, they will push the team to even greater heights in 2026.”

As Red Bull Racing finalizes its driver lineup, attention now turns to Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, who are expected to compete fiercely in their roles next season.