Red Bull Racing has unveiled its driver line-up for the 2026 Formula One season, confirming a major promotion for a rising star and the end of a race seat for a popular driver. The team announced on Tuesday 2 December 2025 that Isack Hadjar will step up to partner triple world champion Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda has been dropped from a full-time drive.
A New Era at Red Bull Racing
The most coveted – and notoriously challenging – seat in Formula One has been awarded to 21-year-old Frenchman Isack Hadjar. He earns his promotion after a standout rookie season with Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls. Hadjar has scored points in ten races this year and secured his maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix in August, currently sitting tenth in the drivers' championship.
His move means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, after five seasons in F1, loses his race seat. The team's statement confirmed that the 25-year-old will remain within the Red Bull family, transitioning into the role of Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver for 2026.
Leadership Praise and Future Prospects
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, paid tribute to Tsunoda's contribution. "Yuki has matured into a complete racer," Mekies stated, highlighting his qualifying pace and race craft. "Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki."
Regarding the new signing, Mekies expressed strong belief in Hadjar's potential. "He has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner... We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track!"
Hadjar himself described the promotion as a "great reward" for his hard work. "I feel ready to go to Red Bull Racing," he said, "and I am happy and proud they feel the same. To work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for."
British Teenager Secures F1 Breakthrough
In a parallel announcement, Red Bull also confirmed the 2026 line-up for Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson will be partnered by 18-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad, who earns a dramatic promotion to Formula One.
Lindblad, raised in Surrey, has been on a rapid ascent. A winner of the Macau Grand Prix in 2023, he finished fourth in Formula 3 in 2024. This year, he made history by becoming the youngest ever winner in Formula 2, taking victory in the Saudi Arabian sprint race at just 17 years and 243 days old. He also won the F2 feature race in Spain in June and sits sixth in the standings ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale.
The teenager has already gained F1 experience, completing a test at Imola in February and impressing when he replaced Max Verstappen in first practice at the Mexican Grand Prix in October, setting the sixth-fastest time.
These decisions finalise Red Bull's strategic driver placements for the new season, banking on youthful talent and reshaping their roster around the established prowess of Max Verstappen.
