Isack Hadjar to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull for 2026 F1 season

The Formula One (F1) teams announced on Tuesday that Isack Hadjar will take Yuki Tsunoda’s place as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate for the upcoming season, with Arvid Lindblad joining Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.

Hadjar, a 21-year-old Frenchman, has made a big impression with his sister team Racing Bulls, including claiming third place at the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.

Lindblad, who was born in Britain and has Swedish heritage through his mother, joins Lawson as the only rookie on the grid for 2026.

With Tsunoda’s departure, Formula One has lost its Japanese driver. Red Bull stated that he will continue playing for the team as a reserve.

Hadjar is the third Red Bull Racing driver to fill a position previously held by him.

In December, Lawson was chosen to take Sergio Perez’ place. Following the opening two Grand Prix of 2025, Tsunoda took the New Zealander’s place in March.

Verstappen will compete on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to defend his fifth successive World Drivers’ title.