“New Page, New Era” — Red Bull Racing confirms Isack Hadjar as teammate to Max Verstappen for 2026
In a blockbuster move that shakes up the Formula 1 grid, Red Bull Racing has confirmed 21-year-old Frenchman Isack Hadjar will be Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2026 season.
Hadjar is promoted from Red Bull’s junior outfit, Racing Bulls, stepping into the seat previously occupied by Yuki Tsunoda — who will shift to a reserve-driver role.
Why Hadjar’s Rise Was Inevitable
Hadjar’s elevation isn’t a surprise. Throughout his rookie season with Racing Bulls, he impressively scored points in 10 Grands Prix, culminating in a maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix — third place at Zandvoort.
That podium result, along with a string of point-scoring finishes, placed him inside the top 10 in the driver standings — an extraordinary achievement for a first-year driver.
Hadjar himself admitted he sensed something was coming: “I know I’ll be on the grid next year,” he said before the final rounds of 2025.
Moreover, with 2026 ushering in sweeping technical changes — including a new power unit developed in partnership with Ford — the promotion comes at a strategic moment when all drivers will be adapting to a new era.
What Red Bull (and Hadjar) Are Saying
The move has drawn praise from team leadership. According to Red Bull, Hadjar displayed “raw speed, maturity and consistent race-craft” — qualities they believe can flourish alongside a champion like Verstappen.
Hadjar, for his part, called the opportunity “an awesome move.” He admitted the chance to learn from Verstappen — widely regarded as the benchmark in modern Formula 1 — is one he is “proud” and “ready” to embrace.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda retains a role within Red Bull — though in reserve capacity — marking a significant reshuffle in the team’s driver hierarchy.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
Fresh start under new regulations: With F1’s 2026 car overhaul, Red Bull seems to be betting on youth and adaptability. Hadjar’s promotion could pay off if he can grow with the technical reset.
A test of pressure management: Driving with Verstappen means world-class expectations and scrutiny. Hadjar’s rookie year showed promise — but the second Red Bull seat has been historically unforgiving.
A bold gamble — but a calculated one:** For Red Bull, installing a talented rookie with upward momentum sends a message: the team is thinking long-term, not just in terms of this year’s championship.
For fans, 2026 just got a lot more interesting. A young talent armed with speed, hunger, and optimism will race alongside a champion — that alone sparks intrigue.