Red Bull Announces 2026 Switch: Hadjar In, Tsunoda Out

Red Bull Racing has made a significant shift for the 2026 Formula 1 season by announcing Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda. The 19-year-old rookie impressed during his inaugural season, including securing a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Transition of Drivers

Yuki Tsunoda will assume the role of Red Bull’s test and reserve driver, maintaining a connection with the team despite stepping back from a racing position. His new role allows him to be on standby, ready to fill in for any of the four primary drivers in case of an emergency.

Hadjar’s Rise

Hadjar’s promotion follows a stellar performance that showcased his maturity and speed, essential qualities for competing alongside top driver Max Verstappen. Red Bull Racing’s boss, Laurent Mekies, expressed confidence in Hadjar’s abilities, stating he could produce remarkable results in partnership with Verstappen.

Changes at Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson will continue with the junior team, Racing Bulls, alongside promising young driver Arvid Lindblad, who recently turned 18. Lawson’s stay was confirmed after a solid second half of the season and his growth in a challenging environment.

Challenges for Tsunoda

Tsunoda’s journey with Red Bull has been tumultuous. Initially supported by Honda ties, his placement in the team was short-lived due to performance issues. Currently, he holds 33 points, placing him 15th in the standings before the season’s closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Looking Ahead

Entering a new era, Red Bull Racing will begin building its own engines next year, signaling a major change as they part ways with Honda. This transition coincides with sweeping regulatory modifications to the sport’s aerodynamics and engine specifications.

Reflection on Team Dynamics

Red Bull Racing’s decisions about driver placements have faced scrutiny in the past. This time, the organization aims to proceed carefully with Hadjar’s integration into the senior team. Mekies, who replaced Christian Horner as team principal, acknowledges the challenge of balancing talent and team dynamics.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hadjar to see how he adapts to the pressure of competing with Verstappen, and whether he can break the pattern evident in previous drivers stepping into this critical role.