Red Bull Racing has officially promoted Isack Hadjar to their senior team for 2026, where the 21-year-old Frenchman will compete alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
The move signifies the end of Yuki Tsunoda’s tenure in the second Red Bull seat. The Japanese driver, who has raced for five seasons across both Red Bull outfits, will step back into a test and reserve role for 2026 after a difficult year alongside Verstappen, which yielded just 30 points compared to the Dutchman’s 360. Hadjar, currently in his rookie season with sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, has impressed enough to earn the promotion after only one year in Formula 1. The 2021 French F4 champion and 2023 Formula 2 runner-up sits 10th in the 2025 drivers’ standings with 51 points and secured his maiden podium with third place at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls have confirmed their 2026 line-up will comprise Liam Lawson – who returns to the seat he briefly held in 2025 – and highly-rated British teenager Arvid Lindblad. The 18-year-old Briton, a multiple race winner in Formula 3 this year, will make his F1 debut. The changes come ahead of the heavily revised 2026 technical regulations and Red Bull’s switch to in-house Red Bull Powertrains engines, developed in partnership with Ford, which will end their long-standing Honda relationship. Isack Hadjar said: “I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level. After all the hard work since joining the Junior Programme, this is an incredible reward. This year with VCARB has been amazing – I’ve learned so much and got my first podium. I feel ready for the step up, and to learn from the best in Max is something I can’t wait for.” Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Laurent Mekies added: “In his debut season Isack has shown great maturity, the ability to learn quickly, and – most importantly – raw speed. We believe he can thrive alongside Max and deliver on track. 2026 will be a huge challenge with the new regulations and Red Bull Ford Powertrains, but these are exciting times.” Mekies also paid tribute to the outgoing Tsunoda: “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years and matured into a complete driver. His personality is infectious and he has become a very special part of the family. We thank him for everything he has given us and know he will be invaluable in his reserve role next year.” The driver market for 2026 is now almost fully settled, with Hadjar’s promotion marking the final major seat confirmation of the current cycle.
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