Red Bull have dropped Yuki Tsunoda from their driver line-up for the 2026 F1 season and promoted Isack Hadjar to the second race seat.
Tsunoda was promoted to Red Bull ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix in a swap with Liam Lawson who returned to Racing Bulls after two rounds.
The Japanese driver however has struggled to match his teammate and title challenger, Max Verstappen as he sits a lowly 15th in the championship, with a season-best finish of fifth which came in the Qatar Sprint whilst his best Grand Prix finish of the campaign was sixth in Azerbaijan.
Red Bull consequently have decided to demote him to the reserve role for the 2026 season and has promoted Hadjar to replace him in the second seat, with the pair having initially began the 2025 season as teammates at Racing Bulls.
Hadjar’s promotion has come after a successful rookie season in F1 which saw him finish third at the Dutch GP and sit tenth in the standings, having enjoyed a breakthrough in maturity in contrast to 2024 when he was well known for his radio outbursts in F2.
The 21 year-old Frenchman is “grateful” to be given the opportunity to step up to Red Bull as he explained that he is glad that his work this season has put him in a position to grasp this opportunity.
“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 move reunites him with his former Racing Bulls Team Principal, Laurent Mekies and the latter paid tribute to Tsunoda for his efforts at the team.
“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 One, 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.”
Mekies went on to explain that Hadjar had earned his move through maturity and quick learning skills and is confident that he can challenge Verstappen next season.
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.”
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