Autobayng News Team
Red Bull has confirmed Max Verstappen will have another new team mate next year.
Yuki Tsunoda, who joined the team at the third round of this year’s championship, will not continue in the seat for the 2026 F1 season.
His place will be taken by Isack Hadjar, who made his Formula 1 debut at the beginning of the season with Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. Tsunoda will become Red Bull’s test and reserve driver for 2026.
Tsunoda began the 2025 season at Racing Bulls before Red Bull swapped him with Liam Lawson. While Lawson failed to score in his two starts, Tsunoda fared little better, managing seven points scores in 21 weekends. He lies 15th in the championship behind Lawson and Hadjar.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies thanked Tsunoda, who will make his final start for the team at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Mekies said Hadjar “has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner” in his first F1 season.
“Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport,” Mekies added. “We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on-track.”
In a simultaneous announcement, Red Bull’s second team Racing Bulls confirmed it will replace Hadjar by promoting Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad next year. Lindblad, 18, joined Red Bull’s junior driver programme in 2022 and has made two appearances for the team in practice sessions this year.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
“Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula 1, so it’s a proud moment to take this step,” said Lindblad. “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.”
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane described Lindblad as “one of the standout young talents in the sport.” He has won twice in Formula 2 this year and lies sixth in the standings ahead of this weekend’s double-header finale.
Permane also gave his backing to Hadjar as he takes on a role his predecessors struggled with. “He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience,” said Permane. “He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey.”
Red Bull’s announcement means all 22 race seats have been taken for next season, as the arrival of Cadillac increases the number of F1 teams to 11.
View the current list of 2026 F1 drivers and teams
Formula 1
- Mercedes grateful for Red Bull’s statement on Antonelli after “disappointing” online abuse
- Alonso’s deliberately slow pace was a godsend for McLaren after strategy error
- Aston Martin hands F1 practice debut to F2 driver who has never scored a point
- Verstappen says title hopes rest on another strategic win, not “pure pace”
- The 11 messages about one corner which led Norris to tell McLaren: “I can’t do it”
