Explaining the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s decision to promote Isack Hajdar into the team alongside Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s team boss Laurent Mekies added that he believes that the Frenchman “can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track.”
Ahead of this weekend’s season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull announced that Isack Hadjar will join Max Verstappen to form the Team’s 2026 driver line-up.
Isack, who only turned 21 in September, made his F1 debut with Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls at the beginning of the current season. His highlight of his year has been his maiden F1 podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar’s promotion also means that Red Bull will bid farewell to Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver joined the Red Bull family in 2019 as part of its Junior Team.
The Sagamihara-born driver has competed in over one hundred races, first with the team now known as Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, before becoming the tenth Red Bull Junior graduate to race for Red Bull, starting at this year’s Japan Grand Prix.
Although he will lose his F1 race seat, Tsunoda will remain within the Red Bull family as he moves into the role of Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver for 2026.
Chapter 24 of 24 about to be written ✍️#F1 || #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/g48xrAeXAC
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 4, 2025
Explaining the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s decision to promote Hajdar into the team alongside Verstappen, Red Bull’s team boss Laurent Mekies believes that the Frenchman “can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track.”
“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. 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.
“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.”
Commenting on the announcement, Isack Hadjar, said: “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.
Signing off with a word for his debut year with Racing Bulls, Hadjar said: “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.”