Oracle Red Bull Racing has officially unveiled its driver line-up for the 2026 Formula One season, confirming that rising star Isack Hadjar will partner four-time World Champion Max Verstappen as the team prepares for one of the most radical technical shifts in the sport’s modern history.
The announcement signals both continuity and reinvention: Verstappen remains the fierce benchmark of the grid, while Hadjar becomes the latest graduate of Red Bull’s performance-driven development system to step into one of the most coveted seats in motorsport.
A New Era Begins
The 2026 season marks Formula One’s most dramatic technical reset in decades. Alongside sweeping regulation changes, Oracle Red Bull Racing will introduce Red Bull Ford Powertrains, its homegrown power unit project, placing the team at the center of a completely new competitive landscape.
In response, the team has chosen a strategic blend of experience and youth.
At just 21 years old, Isack Hadjar arrives after an exceptional rookie season with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, where he not only impressed with consistency but also claimed his first podium at the Dutch Grand Prix, a standout performance that cemented his place among the grid’s most promising talents.
Now, he steps into a leadership environment defined by excellence, intensity, and relentless ambition.
Learning from a Champion
Paired with Max Verstappen — already etched into Formula One history — Hadjar enters the pinnacle of his career alongside one of the most dominant drivers the sport has ever seen.
The pairing is designed to maximize competitive edge as Formula One enters its next phase of evolution, one that rewards adaptability, intelligence, and technical intuition as much as raw pace.
The internal objective is clear: building not just a fast duo, but a resilient one — capable of navigating unknown regulatory territory and pushing performance boundaries.
Farewell to Yuki Tsunoda
With Hadjar’s arrival, Oracle Red Bull Racing also confirmed the departure of Yuki Tsunoda from the race seat.
Tsunoda’s story within Red Bull is one of longevity, loyalty and progress. From joining the Junior Team in 2019 to completing more than 100 Formula One races, he became the tenth Red Bull graduate to compete with the senior team — a milestone he achieved at his home Grand Prix in Japan.
While he exits the cockpit, Tsunoda remains a crucial figure within the organization, taking on the role of Test and Reserve Driver for 2026, where his experience will continue shaping the team’s future.
Leadership Speaks
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal, paid tribute to Tsunoda and welcomed Hadjar with characteristic clarity:
“Yuki has grown into a complete racer and an unforgettable part of the Red Bull family. His energy, talent and personality made a lasting impact. With Isack, we see maturity, adaptability and speed. Most importantly, raw pace — the most vital asset in Formula One. We believe he can perform at the highest level alongside Max.”
The Next Chapter for Oracle Red Bull Racing
For Hadjar, the promotion marks more than a career milestone. It represents validation, resilience, and readiness.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust Oracle Red Bull Racing has placed in me. It’s surreal. This opportunity reflects years of belief through challenges and growth. I’m ready.”
As Formula One prepares to redefine itself, Oracle Red Bull Racing is positioning not just a team — but a vision. 2026 is not merely a season, it’s a reset and Red Bull is ready. Are they?
