Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris recently expressed their reactions to a thrilling result at the Qatar Grand Prix, which has now intensified the championship competition leading into the Abu Dhabi race. As the drama unfolds, significant changes are also on the horizon for Red Bull Racing, with rookie Isack Hadjar set to replace Yuki Tsunoda for the 2026 season.
Hadjar has made a remarkable impression during his debut Formula 1 season with the junior team Racing Bulls, securing a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, which has undoubtedly earned him a spot as Verstappen’s future teammate. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has been reassigned to a test and reserve driver role within Red Bull. This decision allows the popular Japanese driver to remain connected to the team, giving him the opportunity to substitute for any of the four drivers should the need arise.
Red Bull’s confidence in Hadjar and another promising driver, Arvid Lindblad, is evident as they prepare for a new era marked by regulatory changes in aerodynamics and engine design. The team is set to manufacture its own engines from next year, marking the end of its successful partnership with Honda, which had previously supported Tsunoda’s ascent to F1.
Despite initial promise, Tsunoda faced challenges as Verstappen’s teammate and ends the season with just 33 points, positioned 15th in the championship standings. Historically, many drivers have struggled in the second seat alongside Verstappen, leading to speculation on whether Hadjar will follow the patterns of his predecessors. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies expressed optimism about Hadjar, noting his maturity, rapid learning ability, and essential speed in the sport.
In a positive twist for Liam Lawson, he has been granted another season at Racing Bulls after many believed his demotion could hinder his career. Lawson will teammate with Lindblad, who is only 18 and coming off a mixed rookie season in Formula 2, currently sitting sixth in the championship standings. The decision to keep Lawson stems from Red Bull’s assessment of his performance throughout the latter half of the year, where he showcased resilience despite the challenges he faced.
The announcement regarding these changes was strategically made before the season-ending race to prevent any adverse PR situations similar to the one experienced following Daniel Ricciardo’s exit last year. Ricciardo’s departure was marred by uncertainty, a situation Red Bull aimed to avoid this time around.
These developments highlight a dynamic shift within Red Bull as they strive to build a strong foundation for the upcoming seasons. With Hadjar stepping into a crucial role and Lawson getting a renewed opportunity, the team seeks to build on its legacy and tackle the new challenges ahead. As the championship battle heats up, fans remain hopeful for an exciting conclusion to the season in Abu Dhabi.