Red Bull confirmed a move that was widely anticipated ahead of the final race of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Isack Hadjar has earned a promotion to the senior team and will drive alongside Max Verstappen next season.
Yuki Tsunoda, however, is out.
Both Visa Cash App Racing Bulls and Red Bull confirmed their driver lineups on Tuesday ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Hadjar confirmed to move to Red Bull alongside Verstappen. VCARB noted that the promotion highlights “the strength of Red Bull’s driver development program while reflecting the exceptional performances he delivered throughout the year.”
As for VCARB, Liam Lawson will return next season, with Arvid Lindblad earning a promotion to F1. Lindblad has been rumored to make a move to F1 in recent months, and drove in F2 for the past season, his first at that level. Entering the final race of the F2 schedule, Lindblad sits sixth in the F2 Drivers’ Championship standings.
Alan Permane, the Team Principal at VCARB, praised Hadjar in the official announcement.
“Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey,” said Permane.
The VCARB boss then turned his attention to his lineup for next season.
“Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport,” added Permane. “Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula One.”
Hadjar said he was “grateful” for the opportunity.
“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,” said Hadjar. “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. “
This does mean that Tsunoda’s time with the organization has come to an end, months after earning the promotion to the senior team he had dreamed of for years. Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies thanked the outgoing driver for his years of service to the team.
“Yuki 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,” said Mekies. “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. Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards.”
According to the announcement, Tsunoda will remain with Red Bull Racing as a test and reserve driver for 2026.
Mekies then turned his attention to Hadjar.
“As for Isack, 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! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the Team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together,” added the Red Bull boss.
Now that the lineup for 2026 is set, the teams and drivers can turn their attention to the final race of the season, this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen remains alive in the chase for his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, but might need some help from his current teammates if he is to secure that trophy at Yas Marina.
