In a significant reshuffle at Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar is set to replace Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the upcoming Formula 1 season. The announcement, made just before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, confirms widespread speculation about the team’s future lineup.
Tsunoda, who joined the senior team earlier this season, will transition to a reserve driver role within the Red Bull program. This move ensures that Liam Lawson retains his seat at Racing Bulls for 2026, with Formula 2 victor Arvid Lindblad joining the Red Bull-owned Italian team.
Hadjar’s Meteoric Rise
Isack Hadjar has emerged as 2025’s standout rookie, despite a rocky start at the Australian Grand Prix. His impressive single-lap speed has seen him become the eighth-best qualifier in the sport, boasting an average qualifying result of 9.32. This places him just behind Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who averages 8.74.
“After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it’s such a great reward,” Hadjar expressed in a statement from Red Bull. “It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
At just 21 years old, Hadjar has accumulated 51 points this season, positioning him 10th in the championship standings, two points ahead of seasoned driver Nico Hülkenberg.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Transition
Yuki Tsunoda’s journey with Red Bull Racing has been tumultuous. Initially overlooked at the season’s start in favor of Liam Lawson, Tsunoda was later inducted by the then Christian Horner-led management. Despite his potential, Tsunoda has struggled, averaging a qualifying time 0.513 seconds behind Verstappen and securing just 30 points over 21 rounds.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda’s contributions, stating,
“Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family.”
Though Tsunoda will step back from the main grid, his role as a reserve driver is crucial, especially with Red Bull’s ongoing partnership with Honda for their testing program. This strategic position could keep Tsunoda race-ready for a potential return in 2027.
Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad: Future Prospects
Liam Lawson’s resilience following his early-season setbacks has been noteworthy. After a difficult start, Lawson has regained form, becoming a regular contender in Q3 sessions. He currently sits 14th in the standings with 38 points, surpassing Tsunoda by five points.
Meanwhile, Arvid Lindblad’s rapid ascent through the racing ranks has caught the attention of Red Bull management. Despite a modest collection of junior titles, Lindblad’s performance in private tests and FP1 sessions, particularly in Mexico City, has impressed the team.
“He (Lindblad) has demonstrated raw speed, maturity and potential, underscoring the team’s long-standing commitment to developing elite young talent,” Racing Bulls stated.
Implications for Red Bull Racing
This reshuffle at Red Bull Racing highlights the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent while maintaining competitive performance. The decision to bring Hadjar alongside Verstappen reflects a strategic focus on future potential and adaptability in a rapidly evolving sport.
As Red Bull transitions to an in-house, Ford-supported power unit, the integration of new drivers like Hadjar and Lindblad will be pivotal. The team’s ability to balance experienced leadership with emerging talent could define their success in the coming seasons.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on how these changes impact Red Bull Racing’s dynamics and performance on the global stage.
