Red Bull announces Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen’s new team-mate
Red Bull has confirmed that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s team-mate for the 2026 Formula One season, reports BritPanorama.
Tsunoda will continue with the team as a test and reserve driver after a challenging season. Hadjar, a 21-year-old French driver, has made a notable impression during his rookie season with the junior team Racing Bulls, currently holding 10th place in the drivers’ standings ahead of the final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hadjar’s rise has included a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix and a strong performance against his team-mate Liam Lawson. Tsunoda, having participated in five seasons, faces uncertainty regarding his future on the grid, particularly after being promoted to Red Bull earlier in the 2025 season when he replaced Lawson, who had been let go after Sergio Perez’s departure following the 2024 season.
Describing his promotion, Hadjar stated, “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. This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium.” He expressed eagerness to work alongside Verstappen, aiming to learn from the four-time world champion as he steps into a highly demanding role.
Hadjar will be the latest in a line of drivers seeking to partner Verstappen, following a revolving door of team-mates over the years, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Yuki Tsunoda. As he prepares to take on the challenges of the 2026 season, he will also be joined by British prospect Lindblad at Racing Bulls, coinciding with the reshuffling within the Red Bull hierarchy.
This shake-up underscores the competitive nature of the Formula One landscape and the pressures faced by aspirants looking to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. Such transitions in teams often hold significant implications not just for the individuals involved but also for the dynamics of the championship itself.
In motorsport, change is ever-present, and as Hadjar readies himself for this monumental leap, it serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence within Formula One. How well he adapts remains to be seen, but the challenge ahead is as thrilling as it is daunting, encapsulating the essence of a sport where every moment counts.
