Red Bull Announces Driver Line-Up Changes for 2026 F1 Season

Red Bull has officially revealed a significant driver shift ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season finale.

Isak Hajar has been promoted to the senior team, partnering with Max Verstappen for the upcoming season. However, Yuki Tsunoda will not be part of the line-up this time.

Both Red Bull teams, including Racing Bulls, announced their driver rosters ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hajar’s promotion showcases the success of Red Bull’s driver development program, highlighting his impressive performance throughout the year.

For the VCARB team, Liam Lawson will be back next year, while Arvid Lindblad is stepping up to F1. Lindblad has been a name to watch lately, after competing in F2 for the first time last season and currently sitting sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings as they approach the final F2 race.

VCARB team principal Alain Permane commended Hajar in a recent statement. He expressed, “First of all, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Isaac. He has had a truly outstanding season, showing exceptional racecraft and consistency far beyond his experience.” He further mentioned that Hajar has earned this opportunity with Red Bull Racing and wished him well as he embarks on this new challenge.

Permane also reflected on next season’s team composition. He noted Liam’s impressive professionalism and performance, especially under tough circumstances, and expressed optimism for 2026. On Lindblad, he remarked on the young driver’s rapid development as a remarkable talent in the sport, suggesting that together, they represent the ambition of VCARB as F1 enters a transformative phase.

Hajar expressed his gratitude regarding his new role, stating, “I am very grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula 1.” He acknowledged the ups and downs throughout his career, emphasizing the team’s belief in him and the support that has helped him grow not just as a driver but as a person. He seems genuinely excited about working with Verstappen.

This development marks the end of Tsunoda’s tenure with Red Bull, just months after he achieved his long-sought promotion. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s manager, expressed appreciation for Tsunoda’s contributions over the years, noting his outstanding growth and infectious personality during his seven years with the team.

Despite the changes, Tsunoda will remain with Red Bull Racing as a test and reserve driver in 2026.

Mekies continued by praising Hajar’s early season performance, indicating he has displayed maturity and quick learning abilities. He highlighted Hajar’s raw speed as essential for success in the sport and is enthusiastic about the challenges that lie ahead for the team and the Red Bull Ford Powertrain.

With the 2026 driver line-up established, all eyes are now on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the concluding race of the season. Verstappen is still in contention for a fifth consecutive championship, but he will likely need support from his teammates to secure that title at Yas Marina.