Isack Hadjar has been officially promoted to be Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate for 2026 F1 season, marking the end of Yuki Tsunoda’s tenure.
The announcement timed just ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, resolves months of intense speculation and underscores Red Bull’s unwavering commitment to nurturing homegrown talent amid sweeping regulatory changes set to redefine the sport.
The 21-year-old French prodigy whose rookie campaign at Racing Bulls has dazzled with raw pace and maturity, steps into the unforgiving spotlight beside the reigning champion, replacing Tsunoda who, despite early promise, faltered under the immense pressure of partnering Verstappen.
The decision also reshapes the junior squad with Liam Lawson retaining his seat alongside teenage sensation Arvid Lindblad, signaling Red Bull’s long-term vision for dominance in the 2026 F1 power unit era.
Isack Hadjar’s meteoric rise to the coveted seat stems from an exemplary rookie season at Racing Bulls that has positioned him as the consensus Formula 1 rookie of the year.
His standout achievement—a gritty third-place podium at the Dutch Grand Prix in late August—highlighted not just blistering one-lap speed but also racecraft beyond his years, even in a car hampered by balance issues and limited competitiveness.
Hadjar has also consistently secured top ten finishes throughout the season to sneak into the top 10 in the 2025 F1 drivers’ standings, outperforming his team-mate Lawson.
“I’m so grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula 1,” Hadjar said.
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“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 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 Red Bull 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.“
The reveal of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate for 2026 F1 season reflects the team’s proactive stance ahead of a transformative rules cycle encompassing radical aerodynamic overhauls and the shift to 50-50 sustainable fuel engines.
With the team parting ways with Honda after a title-laden alliance, Red Bull’s self-manufactured power units in partnership with Ford demand drivers who can adapt swiftly to unproven technology, making Hadjar’s fearless style and prior success in Formula 2—where he clinched the championship—a perfect fit.
Verstappen, locked in through at least 2028 and still contending for an unprecedented fifth consecutive drivers’ crown, welcomes a teammate who has occasionally shadowed him closely in qualifying, fostering optimism for intra-team synergy rather than the one-sided battles that plagued 2025.
“For Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner,” Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies added. “Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport.
“We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”
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