Red Bull prepares major change for Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2026. Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen’s 2026 teammate in Formula 1.

Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen’s teammate for 2026

Red Bull has made its decision on who will take the second Formula 1 seat alongside the already confirmed Max Verstappen for the 2026 season. One of the last remaining vacancies on the grid is now set to be filled, with Yuki Tsunoda losing his place at Milton Keynes after a disappointing campaign. His future remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a return to Faenza with Racing Bulls to a potential move to Aston Martin. However, there is still competition from Liam Lawson for a spot.

Tsunoda out of Red Bull for 2026

Yuki Tsunoda will not be a Red Bull driver in 2026. The news was reported by Erik van Haren in De Telegraaf, citing the Japanese driver’s underwhelming performances. Since joining the senior team at Milton Keynes to replace Liam Lawson from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, Tsunoda has failed to impress team management. In his stint with Red Bull, he scored points only four times and never finished higher than ninth place.

Compared to Max Verstappen, who in the same period claimed six podiums including three victories, Tsunoda’s record was simply not enough. Now the Japanese driver must hope for a place at Racing Bulls, though even there nothing is guaranteed. He faces direct competition with Liam Lawson, while the other Faenza seat is already assigned to rookie Arvid Lindblad.

Red Bull puts faith in Isack Hadjar

The driver promoted to Red Bull for 2026 will be Isack Hadjar. The Frenchman has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the season, highlighted by a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix and consistently outperforming his teammate. Hadjar has earned the full confidence of Helmut Marko, who praises not only his speed behind the wheel but also his strong and determined character.

This decision could mean the end of the road in Formula 1 for either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda. For the Japanese driver, Aston Martin could present an opportunity, especially given his ties to Honda, but with no obvious vacancies at Silverstone, the path looks difficult. For Lawson, the situation is even more complicated, as most of the available seats on the grid are already taken.