If you thought the 2025 season was a rollercoaster for Red Bull’s second seat, buckle up, because the axe has finally fallen. Yuki Tsunoda is out at Red Bull Racing, replaced by the hotshot rookie Isack Hadjar for the Red Bull 2026 lineup, as team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the lineup drop on Tuesday.
After months of paddock whispers and nail-biting speculation, Red Bull stuck to their guns, announcing the shake-up right before the Abu Dhabi finale to keep the focus sharp on Max Verstappen’s title push.
Red Bull 2026 Lineup Drama
The second seat of Red Bull drama started early in 2025 when Tsunoda snatched the seat from Liam Lawson after just two races, but it turned into a nightmare. Sitting 15th with a measly 33 points, 366 behind Verstappen, the Japanese driver flashed pace here and there, like lapping within three tenths of Max in Qatar quali and a P5 sprint finish. But consistency? Not his strong suit.
Q1 elimination in the main Qatar GP, despite being close to pole-sitter Max, said it all. Tsunoda stayed defiant, claiming he’d “proved a lot” and was ready to help Max in Abu Dhabi, but Red Bull bosses weren’t buying it. Mekies praised his strong weekend but made it clear: every point counts in the championship scrap.
Isack Hadjar’s Incredible Rookie Season
Enter Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old Racing Bulls sensation who’s been on fire. With a Zandvoort podium under his belt and swagger that screams confidence, Hadjar hinted the decision for Red Bull 2026 lineup was locked “one round before the end,” brushing off Qatar and Abu Dhabi as mere formalities. Red Bull sees him as the fresh blood to challenge Verstappen and boost the constructors’ fight, especially with new 2026 regs looming.
Read More
Meanwhile, the sister team puzzle has Liam Lawson likely holding one seat after his revival, with F2 champ Arvid Lindblad eyed for the other, leaving Tsunoda’s future murky. Reserve role? Back to Racing Bulls? Or off the grid entirely? Only insiders know, but Honda ties might twist that plot.
Hold your horses if you’re a Tsunoda fan; the finale could still deliver heroics and sway opinions. But with Hadjar stepping up, Max’s “villain era” just got a sidekick. Stay tuned for Abu Dhabi fireworks, it’s going to be pure cinema.
Also read: Qatar Grand Prix 2025: Full Recap And Results
