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Red Bull’s made its 2026 F1 driver line-up decision, and Yuki Tsunoda’s not part of it. Here’s our take on it all
Red Bull has finalized its 2026 Formula 1 lineup with Isack Hadjar joining Max Verstappen on the main team, while Arvid Lindblad takes the Racing Bulls spot alongside Liam Lawson. Unfortunately, this decision means no place for Yuki Tsunoda who now becomes Red Bull’s reserve driver.
The promotion of Hadjar was inevitable given his speed this year, but it also reflects Red Bull’s urgency for a strong second driver alongside Verstappen. The pressure will be on Hadjar to quickly adapt to the demands of consistently performing at a top level.
While Hadjar’s potential is promising, questions remain about his ability to match Verstappen’s pace and deliver consistent points for the team. Red Bull missed a valuable opportunity by not retaining Carlos Sainz, who has shown impressive performances despite being in a midfield team.
The upcoming 2026 season under new regulations will provide a fresh start for Hadjar and the team, but his success will ultimately determine if Red Bull made the right choice in their lineup decision. With Lawson’s retained experience and Lindblad’s upcoming challenge, the team is poised for an interesting dynamic on the grid.
