Red Bull racing has announced a critically important driver lineup change for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting rising star Isack Hadjar to race alongside four-time world Champion Max Verstappen. The move comes after a period of instability in the teamS second seat this season,which saw both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda briefly paired with Verstappen [[1]].Hadjar’s promotion underscores Red Bull’s continued investment in its driver advancement program and sets the stage for an intriguing dynamic within the championship-leading team.
Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will have a new teammate next season: French driver Isack Hadjar, the Red Bull Racing team announced Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Hadjar has been a member of the Red Bull junior program and made his F1 debut this year with the team’s sister outfit, Racing Bull. With one race remaining on the calendar, Verstappen currently sits second in the championship standings and has a chance to secure his fifth World Championship title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. Hadjar is tenth in the World Championship point standings heading into the season finale.
Earlier this season, Verstappen initially had Liam Lawson as his teammate, but the New Zealand driver was replaced after just two races with Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda, who moved over from the junior team. However, Tsunoda also struggled to find his footing with Red Bull, achieving a best finish of 6th at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and currently sitting 15th in the points standings. The Japanese driver will return to a reserve role with Red Bull next year.
According to a team statement, Hadjar has delivered “extremely impressive performances” during his rookie Formula 1 season, highlighted by a third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Hadjar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “I am very grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and confidence to compete at the highest level of Formula 1. I have been through many ups and downs in my career, but they always believed in me and supported me. This year with the Racing Bulls team has been simply fantastic, I have learned a lot and achieved my first podium finish. (…) I am ready to join Red Bull Racing, I am happy and proud that they feel the same way. This is a fantastic step, I can’t wait to work with the best and learn from Max.”
Tuesday’s announcement also revealed the driver lineup for Racing Bull next season. Liam Lawson will be joined by 18-year-old British-Swedish driver Arvin Lindblad. With Lindblad’s arrival, the 2026 Formula 1 grid is now complete, and he will be the only rookie on the starting lineup. (MTI)
