Red Bull Replaces Yuki Tsunoda with Rising Star for 2026 F1 Season

Red Bull Racing has announced a major driver change for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The team confirmed Isack Hadjar will join alongside Max Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda news now centers on his new role as a reserve driver.Official statements were released on December 2, 2025. The move reshuffles both the main Red Bull and sister Racing Bulls teams. It ends Tsunoda’s long tenure as a race driver within the Red Bull system.

Official Driver Lineup Announcement Details

The 2026 lineup was confirmed by team principals. Isack Hadjar gets the promotion to Red Bull Racing. He will be Max Verstappen’s new teammate.Arvid Lindblad will join Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. This information comes directly from official team communications covered by Reuters. The changes are set for the start of the 2026 season.Yuki Tsunoda will transition to a test and reserve driver role. He remains under contract with the Red Bull family. His experience is valued for developing the new 2026 car.

Why Hadjar Got the Nod Over Tsunoda

Team management pointed to performance data and future potential. Hadjar impressed during his rookie season with Racing Bulls. He secured a podium finish and showed consistent speed.According to analysis from Formula1.com, Red Bull sees Hadjar as a long-term investment. His adaptation to the car and feedback were key factors. The new 2026 regulations favor a fresh driver pairing.Tsunoda had multiple seasons to secure a permanent top seat. The team decided a change was necessary for its future. This decision follows the broader pattern of Red Bull’s aggressive driver development program.

Impact on Tsunoda and the F1 Grid

This move leaves the 2026 grid without a Japanese race driver. It marks a significant shift for Japanese F1 fans who supported Tsunoda. His demotion is a notable moment in the sport’s recent history.For Tsunoda, the reserve role keeps him in the championship-winning environment. It offers a path for a potential return if performance or opportunities arise. He will be involved in simulator work and testing.The broader driver market sees a top prospect moving up. It also confirms Red Bull’s commitment to promoting from its junior program. Other teams will now assess their own young driver options.

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This major Yuki Tsunoda news reshapes the Red Bull hierarchy for the coming era. The team’s bold choice sets the stage for a new chapter under the 2026 regulations. All eyes will now be on how the new lineups perform when the season begins.

Dropping this nugget your way

Why was Yuki Tsunoda replaced for 2026?

Red Bull replaced Tsunoda to promote the younger Isack Hadjar. Team management believes Hadjar’s performance and potential better align with their long-term goals for the new 2026 car regulations.

Who is Isack Hadjar?

Isack Hadjar is a 21-year-old French driver who raced for Racing Bulls in 2025. He earned a podium finish in his rookie season, catching the attention of Red Bull’s senior leadership with his consistent results.

What will Yuki Tsunoda do now?

Tsunoda will serve as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing. He will focus on simulator development and be on standby to race if either Verstappen or Hadjar is unavailable.

When do these driver changes take effect?

The new driver lineups will be active for the first race of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Pre-season testing earlier that year will be their first official track sessions in their new roles.

Has Red Bull made a similar move before?

Yes, Red Bull has a history of promoting junior drivers quickly. Past examples include Max Verstappen’s promotion from Toro Rosso and Sebastian Vettel’s rise through the ranks earlier in his career.

What does this mean for Liam Lawson?

Liam Lawson retains his race seat at Racing Bulls for 2026. He will be the team’s experienced leader alongside rookie Arvid Lindblad, giving him a clear opportunity to prove himself for a future Red Bull seat.