Recent developments in the paddock suggest that Red Bull Racing (and its junior outfit Racing Bulls) are preparing for a major overhaul of their driver lineup for the 2026 season. The principal change: Isack Hadjar is expected to be confirmed as the teammate of Max Verstappen, while Yuki Tsunoda appears likely to be dropped.
Hadjar, 21, has impressed throughout his rookie F1 season with Racing Bulls. His standout moment came at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where he secured a podium finish, his first in Formula 1.
That result, among others, significantly strengthened his case. In comparison to Tsunoda’s season, Hadjar collected more points and demonstrated a consistency in performance that appears to have appealed to Red Bull’s leadership.
Moreover, Hadjar himself has addressed the potential move with a sense of readiness. Speaking before the Qatar Grand Prix, he suggested that 2026, with new technical regulations set to shake up the grid, could offer a “fresh start” and an opportunity to adapt alongside everyone else.
Tsunoda, 25, has had a challenging season by Red Bull’s standards. After replacing Liam Lawson early in 2025, he has struggled to produce consistent results.
According to sources, he will not just lose the second Red Bull seat, but he also will not be reassigned to Racing Bulls
Many within Formula 1 have considered that Tsunoda is a driver who belongs more to Honda than he does to Red Bull, and with Honda set to leave their partnership with Red Bull next season, this may be a contributing factor to the decision to move Tsunoda on. Honda is keen to keep him in the sport in some capacity and is also hopeful behind the scenes that Tsunoda will be a contender for the Aston Martin seat in 2027.
There remains a possibility that Tsunoda could stay involved as a reserve or test driver, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Within Red Bull, some insiders appear to have concluded that Hadjar represents the better long-term bet. Team adviser Helmut Marko reportedly indicated that Hadjar’s performance this season has placed him firmly in contention for promotion.
However, not everyone agrees that the switch is without risk. Some observers caution that promoting a rookie directly to the main team, instead of giving him more seasoning at Racing Bulls, might repeat mistakes of past years.
Hadjar himself described the prospect of partnering Verstappen as “scary but exciting,” acknowledging both the opportunity and the pressure involved.
According to sources, the final decision was reportedly made on Sunday evening following Verstappen’s win in Doha. The official announcement is expected imminently likely on Tuesday.
If confirmed, Red Bull will head into 2026 with a significantly younger driver lineup, a move that underscores their desire for fresh talent as the sport shifts into a new technical era. For Tsunoda, the end of his F1 tenure with Red Bull may be near.
Meanwhile, at Racing Bulls, it is expected that Liam Lawson will keep his place within the Red Bull family of cars, where he will pair up alongside Arvid Lindblad, who will make his Formula 1 debut.
