Breaking News: Red Bull Announces Isack Hadjar as New F1 Driver for 2026 Season

Red Bull Racing has announced its lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with French driver Isack Hadjar joining Max Verstappen as his teammate.

This move comes as no surprise, as Hadjar has been touted as a potential replacement for Yuki Tsunoda, who will be demoted to a reserve driver role for 2026.

Hadjar is eager to join the top level of F1 and expressed his gratitude to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving him the opportunity to drive at the highest level of the sport.

'I'm truly grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me this opportunity and the trust to race at the top level of Formula One,' Hadjar said.

'After all the hard work I've done since joining the Junior Team, this is an incredible gift. I've experienced a lot of highs and lows throughout my career, and they've continued to believe in me and push me.'

The 20-year-old had an exceptional season with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, securing his first podium. He now feels ready to make the step up to the senior team.

'Saya merasa siap untuk bergabung dengan Oracle Red Bull Racing dan saya senang dan bangga mereka juga merasakan hal yang sama. Ini langkah yang luar biasa, bekerja dengan yang terbaik dan belajar dari Max adalah sesuatu yang sangat saya nanti-nantikan.'

The departure of Tsunoda was not unexpected after a difficult season where he struggled to make an impact in the second Red Bull.

'In the second Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad will make his F1 debut next year, joining Lawson, who has been retained.

Lindblad, an 18-year-old driver rated very highly, is currently sixth in the Formula 2 championship with one round remaining in Abu Dhabi.

'Sejak saya memulai perjalanan ini di usia lima tahun, berada di Formula Satu selalu menjadi tujuan saya, jadi ini momen yang membanggakan untuk mengambil langkah ini,' kata Lindblad.

Red Bull also confirmed their young driver program, with Lindblad joining the ranks of Lawson and Hadjar as a rising talent in the world of Formula 1.

The announcement means that all 22 seats for the 2026 season are now filled.

The attention now turns to the final round of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen is still in contention for the F1 title.

With a 12-point deficit to overcome, Verstappen will need to pull off a comeback to claim his fifth consecutive drivers' championship.