Red Bull have confirmed that Isack Hadjar will be Max Verstappen’s new team-mate for next season’s Formula One.
It means that Yuki Tsunoda will lose his Red Bull seat from the end of this season after struggling to aid Max Verstappen in his title quest.
Speculation had been rife leading up to today’s announcement about whether the Japanese would continue alongside the team’s Dutch star, but the decision has now been made.
He’s to be replaced by 21-year-old driver Hadjar after the young Frenchman enjoyed a ‘mightily impressive’ debut F1 season with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Tsunoda will, however, remain in the ranks at Red Bull as their Test and Reserve Driver for 2026.
Announcing his decision to part ways with the 25-year-old as their second driver, Team CEO Laurent Mekies said: ‘Yuki (Tsunoda) 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.
‘As for Isack (Hadjar), 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!’
Hadjar joins as the highest-placed rookie mid-field driver on the grid, with the highlight of his season coming in the Netherlands, where he secured his first ever podium finish.
The youngster gushed: ‘I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One.
‘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 announcement ends a period of uncertainty in the Red Bull camp which saw, at one point, even Verstappen linked with a move away.
The 28-year-old had been rumoured to be in talks with Mercedes after a difficult start to the season, with Verstappen thought to have a clause in his contract allowing him to leave before the end of his contract in 2028.
However the four-time Drivers’ Championship winner announced his decision to stay in August, claiming ‘people just like to create drama’ about his future.
Verstappen heads into the final race of the season on Sunday in Abu Dhabi competing against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the title.
Norris currently sits at the top of the leaderboard some 12 points clear of Verstappen, with Piastri placed in third just four points off the Dutchman.
McLaren meanwhile, thanks to the exploits Piastri and McLaren, have already secured the Constructors’ Championship for the second year in a row.
