Red Bull — reshuffle ahead of 2026
Following the end of the 2025 season, Red Bull has confirmed a new driver lineup for 2026. Max Verstappen remains on the team. His new teammate will be Isack Hadjar, promoted from the sister team Racing Bulls.
Former Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda loses his race seat but stays within the organisation as a reserve/test driver.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls also adjust its lineup: Liam Lawson stays, and joins the team will be rookie Arvid Lindblad, stepping up from feeder series.
- Hadjar impressed during the 2025 season and is seen as ready to step up; his promotion reflects Red Bull’s confidence in his maturity and pace.
- Tsunoda’s results in 2025 were judged insufficient to retain the main seat, but Red Bull values him enough to keep him as a reserve driver rather than releasing him completely.
- The changes follow a season of internal reshuffling, not only among drivers but also in team management — signalling a broader “reset” for Red Bull as the sport moves into 2026.
What to watch for 2026
With Verstappen–Hadjar now the pairing at Red Bull, expectations are high: can Hadjar adapt quickly and complement Verstappen, or will Verstappen remain clearly number one? The dynamic between an experienced world champion and a young promoted driver will shape the team's performance and strategy.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls’ choice of Lawson + Lindblad suggests they are continuing their role as a development squad, grooming young talents for future promotion.
