Red Bull Racing's driver lineup for the 2026 season is poised for a dramatic shake-up, with current star Yuki Tsunoda's future hanging in the balance and a new young prodigy rapidly emerging as his potential replacement.
According to insider reports, the team's hierarchy, including the influential Dr. Helmut Marko, is seriously considering promoting French-Algerian Formula 2 sensation Ismael Hadjar. The 19-year-old has been turning heads with a series of blistering performances, marking him as one of the most exciting talents in the junior racing categories.
The Tsunoda Conundrum: A Seat Under Threat
Despite a strong and consistent 2024 campaign that has seen him outperform his more experienced teammate Daniel Ricciardo on numerous occasions, Yuki Tsunoda's long-term place at the Faenza-based squad is not guaranteed. His contract expires at the end of the 2025 season, coinciding perfectly with the new technical regulations set to revolutionise the sport in 2026.
This pivotal moment has forced Red Bull's top brass to evaluate their options meticulously. While Tsunoda has proven his speed and racecraft, the allure of injecting fresh, young blood into the team is a powerful force within the Red Bull driver programme.
Hadjar: The Rising Star Catching Helmut Marko's Eye
Ismael Hadjar, currently driving for the Campos Racing team in F2, has become the name on everyone's lips. His raw pace, aggressive overtaking, and maturity behind the wheel have made him the standout candidate from Red Bull's junior stable.
As the mastermind behind the careers of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, Dr. Helmut Marko has a renowned eye for spotting exceptional talent. His reported backing of Hadjar signals a significant belief in the young driver's potential to make the monumental leap to Formula 1.
The path is a well-trodden one for Red Bull, who have a history of promoting from within their academy, often making bold and unexpected calls that reshape the grid.
A 2025 Audition: The Critical Next Step
The plan, as it stands, could see Hadjar secure a coveted Formula 1 seat with the sister team, Visa Cash App RB (VCARB), for the 2025 season. This would serve as a crucial audition year, allowing him to acclimatise to the immense pressures of the sport before a potential promotion to the senior Red Bull Racing team for the 2026 rule change.
This strategy would see him potentially line up alongside the established Liam Lawson, creating an all-new, young driver lineup for VCARB and putting immense pressure on the established order.
This potential move signifies a major shift in Red Bull's strategy, highlighting their relentless commitment to securing the next generation of world champions and ensuring they are perfectly positioned for the new era of Formula 1.
