25-year-old driver axed as Red Bull announces 2026 F1 driver lineup for both teams

F1 Grand Prix of Monaco - Previews - Source: Getty
F1 Grand Prix of Monaco - Previews - Source: Getty

Milton Keynes-based Red Bull Racing came out on December 2, 2025 and confirmed the driver lineup for the upcoming season as Japanese racing sensation Yuki Tsunoda was axed and replaced by Isack Hadjar. RBR’s sister team, Visa Cash App RB, also confirmed their lineup as F2 star Arvid Lindblad will partner with Liam Lawson going into the new regulations.

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Speculations around the RB drivers for the 2026 season began after the summer break as Yuki Tsunoda's disastrous form with the team continued. The Japanese driver replaced Liam Lawson at the main team just after a few races, but failed to impress. While Max Verstappen is challenging for the title, Tsunoda only has 33 points to his name.

Rumours of Isack Hadjar replacing the Japanese driver started circling the paddock a few months ago. When the Milton Keynes-based team was questioned about the same, they confirmed that an announcement will be made before or during the final race weekend of the season.

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With the Abu Dhabi GP on the horizon, RB and Racing Bulls revealed their driver lineup for the 2026 season. Max Verstappen will partner with Isack Hadjar for the senior team, whereas the Red Bull junior team and F2 sensation Arvid Lindblad will join Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.

F1 Grand Prix of Qatar - Source: Getty
F1 Grand Prix of Qatar - Source: Getty

Isack Hadjar had an impressive rookie season in F1 and currently sits P10 in standings with 51 points and a podium. 25-year-old Yuki Tsunoda will continue to be with Red Bull for the 2026 season as a reserve driver.

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“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 Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies
“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,” added Mekies
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As for Arvid Lindblad, he stepped into the RB21 a couple of times this season during the FP1 session for the rookie driver test and impressed the likes of Helmut Marko with his performance and feedback.


Red Bull junior team star Arvid Lindblad up for the “big challenge” as he joins VCARB for 2026

Formula 2 Championship - Round 13 Lusail - Sprint Race - Source: Getty
Formula 2 Championship - Round 13 Lusail - Sprint Race - Source: Getty

Arvid Lindblad signed with the RB junior team in 2021 during his F4 days and has made his way up the Formula ladder, making his F2 debut in 2025. Lindblad currently sits in P5 in the F2 championship with 121 points to his name.

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Speaking with the team following the announcement of his promotion to F1 and racing with VCARB for the 2026 season, Lindblad said,

“I'd like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. 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. 2026 will be a big challenge and 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!”
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Isack Hadjar will be the third driver to partner Max Verstappen since Sergio Perez was sacked at the end of the 2024 season.

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Edited by Pranay Bhagi
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