Red Bull Racing has officially announced the signing of Isack Hadjar, who will join Max Verstappen as the team’s second driver starting in 2026. The 20-year-old Frenchman is being promoted from the sister team, Racing Bulls, after a standout rookie season in Formula 1, where he impressed by securing a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix and achieving multiple points finishes. Hadjar’s consistent performance has elevated him to 10th place in the drivers’ championship, surpassing teammate Liam Lawson in both scoring and qualifying.
Expressing his gratitude, Hadjar stated, “I’m so grateful to Red Bull 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.” Hadjar, of Algerian descent, became part of the Red Bull junior program in 2022 and notably finished as the runner-up in the Formula 2 championship in 2024 before his ascent to Racing Bulls.
Replacing Yuki Tsunoda, who was promoted to Red Bull earlier this season, Hadjar will take on the formidable challenge of partnering Verstappen, who is currently in contention for the title. Tsunoda will remain with the team as a test and reserve driver after scoring only 30 points this season and struggling to match the performance of his teammate.
Hadjar’s entrance comes amid a critical time for Red Bull, as they seek a reliable second driver to support Verstappen’s efforts after finishing behind McLaren and Mercedes in the constructors’ championship the past two seasons. The ongoing developments within the team signify a shift, especially with new regulations set to roll out in 2026, which will introduce new cars and engines. Red Bull will manufacture their own engines for the first time, a development that team principal Laurent Mekies believes will be pivotal for the team’s success.
Additionally, British driver Arvid Lindblad will also make his Formula One debut in 2026 as he transitions to Racing Bulls following his successful tenure in the Red Bull development program. Lindblad, who has been with Red Bull since 2021, has shown significant promise, finishing fourth in the Formula 3 championship in 2024 and winning the Formula Regional Oceania championship this year. He has already participated in two F1 practice sessions, showcasing his potential by clocking a sixth-fastest time in Mexico.
Lindblad expressed his enthusiasm for joining the elite ranks of F1, stating, “Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One, so it’s a proud moment to take this step. I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started; it’s going to be an exciting year.”
As both Hadjar and Lindblad prepare for the challenges ahead, Red Bull Racing appears to be positioning itself for a competitive future in Formula 1, aligning promising young talent with a seasoned champion in Verstappen. With renewed ambition looking towards the 2026 season, there is palpable excitement around what these fresh alignments will bring to the team’s performance on the track.