In a significant reshuffle for the upcoming 2026 season, Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda as a driver for Red Bull Racing. Hadjar, a rookie in Formula 1, has impressed with his performance this year, notably securing a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Red Bull’s New Lineup for 2026
Yuki Tsunoda will transition to a test and reserve driver role at Red Bull, remaining within the team’s framework without a racing position. This decision allows Tsunoda to be on standby, ready to step in if needed, for any of the four drivers across the team’s two squads.
- Isack Hadjar replaces Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull.
- Tsunoda becomes test and reserve driver for the 2026 season.
- Liam Lawson will continue as a driver for the junior team, Racing Bulls.
- Arvid Lindblad, a promising 18-year-old driver, will join Lawson.
Hadjar’s Promising Performance
Red Bull has demonstrated confidence in Hadjar, who has showcased maturity and speed in his debut season. Team principal Laurent Mekies expressed optimism about Hadjar’s abilities, stating, “He has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport.” Hadjar’s promotion marks a pivotal moment as the sport braces for significant regulatory changes in aerodynamics and engine specifications.
Changes Following Honda Partnership
With Red Bull set to develop its engines independently next year, the end of the long-standing partnership with Honda brings shifts in team dynamics. Tsunoda’s association with Honda initially supported his rise to the race seat but was not sufficient to maintain his position against the evolving competition.
The Junior Team’s Future
Lawson will be partnered with Lindblad at Racing Bulls next season. Lindblad had a mixed performance in his rookie Formula 2 season, currently holding sixth place in the championship standings. Both drivers will work under Mekies, who has a history with each of them.
- Liam Lawson: Continuing at Racing Bulls after mixed performances.
- Arvid Lindblad: Rookie driver, showing potential with a sixth place in Formula 2 championship.
Navigating the Transition
The announcement of Hadjar’s promotion comes just ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This strategy aims to prevent a public relations repeat of previous seasons where driver transitions led to turmoil. Lawson’s resilience and improvement in the latter half of the year also contributed to his retention within the team.
This upcoming season promises to be a pivotal one for Red Bull Racing and its drivers, as they navigate both new rules and internal team dynamics. As the team prepares for a fresh era, all eyes will be on Hadjar and the evolving landscape of Formula 1 racing.
