Red Bull have confirmed their driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, making the announcement just before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The team’s decision on who will partner Max Verstappen has been a long time coming, following months of consideration.
In recent years, Red Bull have had a tough time finding a steady teammate for the four-time champion. This has led to Yuki Tsunoda losing his spot in the team.
With new F1 regulations coming into play in 2026, Red Bull will be producing their own power units for the first time.
Verstappen has used mind games to good effect this season, something Martin Brundle has pointed out.
Red Bull confirm Isack Hadjar as Arvid Lindblad takes Racing Bulls seat next to Liam Lawson
Isack Hadjar has been promoted to the senior team after just one season, following some impressive rookie performances. He’ll be taking over from Yuki Tsunoda, who loses his seat as Red Bull continues its ongoing search for Verstappen’s long-term partner.
Taking Hadjar’s spot at Racing Bulls is Arvid Lindblad, who steps up from Formula 2 after showing plenty of promise in the junior ranks. He’ll join Liam Lawson, who keeps his place while Tsunoda exits the grid for the first time in over five years.
The decision arrives ahead of Red Bull’s push for a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. They’ll also be building their own power units under the new 2026 regulations – a fresh challenge that will require all their focus.
Helmut Marko has even predicted a Verstappen title win, not long after Christian Horner was replaced as team boss in the summer. While even Verstappen had lost hope earlier in the season, he now finds himself heading into one of the most exciting season finales ever.
If Marko is right about Red Bull winning another title this year, they’ll have some big questions to address when testing begins for 2026 – both on and off track.
Questions raised over Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull move
Hadjar has impressed in his rookie campaign, though there are still areas of his game that need refining.
Moving him into such a high-profile position this early comes with risks. While it could hinder his development, there’s also a chance it brings out the best in him.
Red Bull have seen this approach pay off before with Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel. Hadjar already has a podium finish with Racing Bulls, so they clearly feel he’s ready to step up.
This could be the right moment for the move, especially with both drivers adapting to new machinery under the upcoming regulations. It gives Hadjar a fair shot to prove himself alongside Verstappen in similar conditions.
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