Oracle Red Bull Racing axe Yuki Tsunoda, sign Isack Hadjar for upcoming season

Oracle Red Bull Racing have announced that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda to partner Max Verstappen, starting with the 2026 Formula One season.

The move comes after a rough season for Tsunoda, with yet another Red Bull driver unable to match or even support Verstappen in the second seat. Hadjar, who made his F1 debut this year with Racing Bulls, will leave the sister Red Bull outfit after a strong rookie campaign.

Tsunoda’s first season with Red Bull has been nothing but forgettable. He started the season with Racing Bulls, partnering Hadjar, but was moved up to the main Red Bull team mid-season, replacing Liam Lawson (who went the other way) from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.

Since then, the 25-year-old has scored just five points, including a best finish of P6 in Azerbaijan. Tsunoda’s struggles have been evident in the Austrian team’s inability to fight for the Constructors’ title, as they currently lie third in the standings behind second-placed Mercedes and the champions-elect, McLaren.

Hadjar, on the other hand, has had an incredible start to his F1 career. Driving for a midfield team, his strong performances have helped Racing Bulls reach sixth in the Constructors’ standings. The 21-year-old even scored his maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix this year.

With Hadjar replacing Tsunoda at Red Bull, the latter will move to a reserve role with Red Bull. The Franco-Algerian is set to become Verstappen’s seventh different teammate since the 2017 season.

Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, commented:

“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.”

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. 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.”