Red Bull Unveils 2026 Driver Lineup, Tsunoda Loses Seat but Remains with Red Bull Family

Red Bull Racing has finally announced its driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season, and there's a surprise in store: Isack Hadjar will be promoted from Racing Bulls and will join Max Verstappen as his teammate for next year. The 21-year-old French driver has shown significant improvement since his first lap in a racing bulls event this year and is currently tenth in the championship with one podium and 51 points.

The only uncertain news was Yuki Tsunoda's fate, but it's been announced that he won't be completely let go and will remain within the Red Bull family as he takes on the role of Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver for 2026.

This hasn't been a great year for Tsunoda, who started the season with Racing Bulls but was later replaced by Liam Lawson as Max's teammate. Unfortunately, Tsunoda failed to improve and struggled in a car that many critics believe is best suited for Max and no one else.

As a result, Lawson will retain his seat at Racing Bull, but Tsunoda will have to look for a new team next year if he wants to compete again in 2027 or climb back up the ranks at Red Bull, which seems unlikely given the numerous drivers emerging from the Red Bull academy.

'Over his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has become a well-rounded driver, excellent in one-lap qualifying on Saturdays and capable of starting exceptionally well and showing great racing skills on Sundays. Everyone in the sport will agree that it's impossible not to like Yuki; his personality is infectious, and he's been a very special part of the Red Bull family,' said Red Bull CEO Laurent Mekies.

Meanwhile, Racing Bulls has also confirmed that Liam Lawson will stay on, while 18-year-old English and Swedish rookie Arvid Lindblad, currently sixth in Formula 2, will take Hadjar's empty seat in Formula 1 for 2026.