BREAKING: Isack Hadjar has officially secured a seat at Red Bull Racing for the 2026 Formula One season, partnering with four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The announcement comes as Hadjar, currently excelling with Racing Bulls, replaces Yuki Tsunoda, who will transition to a reserve role within the team.
“I’m so grateful to Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One,” Hadjar stated. “After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it’s such a great reward.”
Hadjar’s rookie season in 2025 has been impressive, with points scored in 10 races and a remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix. Red Bull’s team principal, Laurent Mekies, emphasized Hadjar’s potential: “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.”
This development marks a significant moment for the Red Bull team as Hadjar prepares to face the formidable challenge of partnering with Verstappen, who is currently engaged in a fierce battle for the world championship. This weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see Verstappen contend with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri in a three-way showdown for the title.
Since his debut in 2017, Verstappen has seen a rotation of teammates including Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Perez, many of whom struggled to match his dominance. Hadjar now steps into this high-pressure environment, aiming to carve out his own legacy.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls will retain Liam Lawson and welcome Arvid Lindblad for the 2026 season. Lindblad, a British driver, makes his leap to Formula One following an impressive season where he secured two wins in Formula Two, becoming the only rookie on the grid next year. Lawson was briefly promoted to Red Bull in 2025, but after two races, he returned to Racing Bulls, paving the way for Tsunoda’s short-lived tenure at the main team.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hadjar and Verstappen, with fans eager to see how this new pairing will unfold. The stakes are high, and Hadjar’s recent achievements suggest he is poised to make a significant impact in the coming season.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the latest developments in Formula One racing!
