Red Bull has announced that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s team-mate for the 2026 season.
Tsunoda will stay in the Red Bull fold as a test and reserve driver.
Hadjar, 21, comes from the Racing Bulls and will race alongside Verstappen, who is aiming to win a record-equal fifth consecutive drivers’ title at Sunday’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The young Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive rookie season with junior team Racing Bulls and sits 10th in the standings ahead of the final race.
He clinched a brilliant podium at the Dutch Grand Prix in August and has consistently outqualified and beaten team-mate Liam Lawson.
Tsunoda, who, after five seasons in F1, looks set to be without a seat on the grid in 2026, was promoted to Red Bull after just two races this season.
He swapped places with the struggling Lawson, having initially lost out to the New Zealander when Red Bull chose to ditch Sergio Perez after the 2024 season.
Hadjar described the promotion as a “great reward.”
Max Verstappen has a new team-mate for the 2026 season
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He said “I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One.
“After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me.
“This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the team‘s support and preparation.
“I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda
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Hadjar is now the latest driver to attempt to cope with the demands of partnering Verstappen, who debuted alongside Daniel Ricciardo in 2017.
Since then, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Perez, Lawson and Tsunoda have all come and gone, having been unable to consistently match the dominant four-time world champion.
Lawson will be joined at Racing Bulls by British star Lindblad.
The 18-year-old has been part of the Red Bull setup since the age of 14 and was granted an FIA super licence at 17 at the team’s request.
Yuki Tsunoda looks set to be without a seat on the grid in 2026
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He sits sixth in the F2 standings with one race to go and has impressed in Red Bull F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico.
Lindblad said: “I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One so it’s a proud moment to take this step.”
“I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull junior programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support.
“2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year!”
