Red Bull confirm Verstappen and Hadjar for 2026

In 2025, rookie Hadjar has emerged as one of the standout newcomers, more often than not getting the better of slightly more experienced teammate Liam Lawson. His deserved reward is something of a double-edged sword as he ascends to one of the most coveted seats in Formula 1 and, with it, enters Verstappen's den where few have survived intact.

However, the appointment comes at an opportune time for 21-year-old Hadjar, as Formula 1 enters a new era in 2026 with all-new engine and aero rules. That means a blank canvas for drivers to master the next-gen cars. Every one of them begins the learning curve of the new machinery at the same time.

Nevertheless, it will be a Herculean task for Hadjar to be within the mandated 0.3s of Verstappen, let alone match him. But the youngster has the greatest benchmark in the sport to measure himself against, with the knowledge that Max is not done improving.

Also in his favour is the age gap. Hadjar is seven years younger than 28-year-old Verstappen. Unlike most of the Dutchman's previous teammates, who were around the same age or older, the Dutch maestro may just find it in himself to mentor his fiery new teammate. Time will tell.

That is a matter that will unravel next season. For now, on the day of the announcement, it has to be said to Hadjar:

Although Yuki Tsunoda has lost his seat, the Japanese will remain within the Red Bull team as he moves into the role of Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver for 2026. Red Bull made the 'secret' official today, this is what they had to say.

Oracle Red Bull Racing have confirmed Isack Hadjar will partner Max Verstappen for the 2026 Formula 1 season, completing a youth-and-experience line-up for the first year of the new regulations.

The Frenchman, who turned 21 in September, steps up after an impressive rookie campaign with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, highlighted by a breakthrough podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.

His promotion aligns with Red Bull’s preparations for the biggest regulatory reset in decades, including the on-track debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains in the RB22. The Team believe the combination of Verstappen’s four titles and Hadjar’s raw pace offers the right blend for a fundamentally new era of the sport.

Hadjar’s arrival closes the chapter on Yuki Tsunoda’s time as a race driver within the Red Bull organisation. The Japanese driver joined the Red Bull system in 2019, competed in more than one hundred Grands Prix, and became the tenth Junior Team graduate to race for Oracle Red Bull Racing when he made his debut for the senior team at this year’s Japan Grand Prix.

Tsunoda will stay in the Red Bull family as the 2026 Test and Reserve Driver. Laurent Mekies said: “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams.

"Through his five seasons so far in Formula 1, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday. 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.

"On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards," said Mekies.

The Red Bull team boss said of Hadjar's promotion: “As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport.

"We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track. 2026 will be a huge challenge for the Team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”

Hadjar described the move as the culmination of years of work within the Red Bull system. He said: “I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula 1. After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me.

“This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the Team‘s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”

The announcement locks in one of the most anticipated moves of the 2026 grid as Red Bull position themselves for the challenges of the new power unit era.