Algerian-French Formula One talent Isack Hadjar has been rewarded for an impressive rookie season with a major career leap, as Red Bull confirmed his move from Racing Bulls to the senior team starting in 2026. The 21-year-old will join four-time world champion Max Verstappen, marking one of the most significant moves of the upcoming F1 reshuffle.
Hadjar’s move comes at the expense of Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, who will lose his race seat after five seasons in Formula One and transition into a reserve and testing role. Tsunoda’s difficult campaign, yielding just 30 points, stood in sharp contrast to Verstappen’s title push, as the Dutchman enters the final race in Abu Dhabi just 12 points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
In his statement, Hadjar expressed pride and gratitude for the opportunity: “After all the hard work since joining the Red Bull junior team, this is an incredible reward. I’ve faced many ups and downs in my career, but the team always believed in me and pushed me forward.”
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar’s rapid development, saying, “In his first Formula One season, Isack has shown remarkable maturity and proven he learns quickly. Most importantly, he demonstrated speed — the key ingredient in this sport.”
Hadjar currently sits 10th in the drivers’ standings with 51 points, having scored in 10 of the 23 rounds. His elevation makes him the seventh teammate to line up alongside Verstappen since 2016.
Replacing Hadjar at Racing Bulls next year will be 18-year-old British driver Arvid Lindblad, who has risen swiftly through Red Bull’s talent programme and is on track to finish his rookie Formula 2 season in sixth place. Lindblad described the move as a fulfillment of a lifelong dream: “Ever since I started racing at five years old, my aim has been Formula One. It’s a proud moment to take this step.”
Lindblad acknowledged the challenge ahead but welcomed it with determination: “I know 2026 will be a huge test, and there’s so much to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and embrace it. I can’t wait to get started — it’s going to be an exciting year.”
Hadjar’s rise marks a new chapter for Red Bull and underscores the team’s continued investment in young talent, as he prepares to join one of the most dominant drivers of the modern era on the F1 grid.
