F1: Red Bull confirms Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 2026 teammate after strong season By Carolina Costa
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Red Bull Racing announced this Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the promotion of The decision takes place at Milton Keynes, Inglaterra, and reflects the consistent performance of Hadjar throughout the year.
The change completes the driver grid for next year, with Arvid Lindblad taking Hadjar’s place in Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson. Tsunoda, in turn, starts to act as reserve and test pilot for Red Bull. The announcement came hours before Grande Prêmio of Abu Dhabi, the last stage of the current season.
Hadjar expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. Ele highlighted the learning at Racing Bulls and the expectation of working with Verstappen.
The team sees the promotion as an opportunity for the young driver to showcase raw speed in a high-pressure environment.
Path from Hadjar to elite
Isack Hadjar joined the Red Bull young pilot program in 2021, aged 17. Ele competed in Fórmula 3 in 2022 and advanced to Fórmula 2 the following year, where he finished second in the title match against Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto.
In 2025, his F1 debut for Racing Bulls included 10 scored races. The high point came at the Holanda GP, in Zandvoort, with a third place that marked the team’s first podium since 2021.
The French-Algerian driver overcame an initial setback, such as the accident on the opening lap at the Austrália GP. Sua average position on the grid was tenth place, with superior qualifications in 22 of the 27 races.
Performance of Tsunoda on Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda took over the second seat from Red Bull from the third stage of 2025, replacing Liam Lawson. The 25-year-old Japanese accumulated 30 points throughout the season, finishing 15th in the championship.
He faced difficulties adapting to the car, especially on high-speed tracks. Resultados below expectations, such as abandonments in Mônaco and Silverstone, influenced the team’s decision.
Red Bull thanked Tsunoda for his contribution and emphasized his future role in testing. The driver completed six seasons in F1, all linked to the Austrian group.
Team reactions to the promotion
Laurent Mekies, head of Red Bull, praised Hadjar’s maturity in its first season. Ele highlighted the ability to learn quickly and the speed essential for the sport.
Mekies predicted that Hadjar could stand out alongside Verstappen in 2026. The season will bring challenges with new technical rules and the Red Bull Ford Powertrains powertrain.
The announcement ends speculation about the seat. Verstappen, four-time champion, will have his fourth partner in 13 months.
Changes to Racing Bulls for 2026
Arvid Lindblad, 18-year-old Brit, makes his F1 debut with Racing Bulls. Ele competes in Fórmula 2 in 2025 and impressed in free practice sessions for Red Bull.
Lindblad will join forces with Liam Lawson, who returned to the team after a brief stint in the main team. The New Zealander scored points in races such as Azerbaijão and Áustria.
The duo aims for stability for the team, which seeks to improve positions in the constructors’ championship.
- Lindblad: Vencedor of two races in F2 this year.
- Lawson: Média qualifying in 12th place in the second half of 2025.
- Focus: Desenvolvimento of young talents in the new regulations.
Verstappen’s companion history
Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, Verstappen has had multiple pairings in Red Bull. Sergio Pérez held the seat from 2021 to 2024, with 202 team wins.
Pérez left the team due to inconsistent results in 2025. Liam Lawson lasted two races at the start of the year, only scoring Bahrein.
Tsunoda, now a reserve, follows the pattern of quick transitions. Hadjar becomes the sixth companion in eight years.
The Dutchman has 62 career victories. Sua consistency drives the team to six consecutive constructors’ titles.
Expectations for the new regulation
The 2026 rules include sustainable hybrid engines and active aerodynamics. The Red Bull develops its own powertrain with the Ford.
Hadjar tested the current car in Abu Dhabi, at the end of 2024. Ele completed 150 laps, focusing on high-speed setups.
The team plans intense simulations in 2025. The objective is to maintain leadership on the grid expanded to 11 teams.
Hadjar Season Highlights
Hadjar scored on different circuits, such as Monza and Spa-Francorchamps. Sua pole in Interlagos was the first for a rookie for Racing Bulls since 2023.
He outperformed Lawson in 80% of races. The podium in Zandvoort came after an efficient pit stop strategy.
The Frenchman contributed to the development of the car. Sua entry into F1 followed testing at Silverstone and México.
Lindblad preparation for debut
Arvid Lindblad entered the Red Bull program at age 12. Helmut Marko described him as talented for his pure speed.
In 2025, he won F2 races in Barcelona and Hungaroring. Sessões of FP1 by Red Bull yielded valuable data.
The young Brit accumulates points towards the FIA super license. Sua adaptation focuses on tire management and overtaking.
Lindblad expressed excitement for the chance. Ele aims for rapid learning in the team of Faenza, Itália.
Contributions of Tsunoda as reserve
Yuki Tsunoda will perform in pre-season testing in 2026. Seu role includes simulator sessions and data analysis.
The Japanese tested updates on Fiorano and Barcelona in 2025. Sua experience from 122 GPs adds to the development.
The Red Bull values its versatility. Tsunoda can substitute in emergencies during the season.
He plans to keep the momentum going with races in support series such as Extreme E.
