Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda as Red Bull's second driver in 2026, with Arvid Lindblad to make his Formula 1 debut by taking Hadjar's seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull announced on Tuesday.

Racing Bulls' driver Isack Hadjar of France competes during the qualifying session of the 2025 Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 20, 2025. (Photo by Tofik Babayev/Xinhua)

With no remaining F1 race seats for 2026, Tsunoda is set to remain within the Red Bull family as a test and reserve driver.

"[Hadjar] has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the No. 1 requirement in this sport. We believe Isack can thrive and produce the magic on track," said Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.

Promoted to Formula 1 after having finished second in the 2024 Formula 2 championship, Hadjar's F1 debut could scarcely have gone worse, with the Frenchman spinning off in wet conditions in Australia before the race had even started.

But the 20-year-old put that disappointment behind him and soon turned heads with a string of impressive performances, including a third-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, fueling speculation that he would soon replace the under-performing Tsunoda.

"I'm so grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of F1. After all the hard work I have put in, it's such a great reward," said Hadjar.

"This year with Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I've learned a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel ready to go to Red Bull, and I am happy and proud they feel the same."

Hadjar will be replaced at Racing Bulls by Red Bull junior Lindblad. The 18-year-old Briton currently lies sixth in the 2025 F2 series, and has long been tipped for an F1 seat.

Lindblad will partner incumbent Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, with the New Zealander set to embark on his second full season in F1.

Having struggled early in 2025, Lawson's performances have improved as the year has continued, and he is likely to be used as a benchmark against which Red Bull can monitor Lindblad's progress.

Tsunoda's demotion comes after the Japanese was promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull in early 2025, swapping places with Lawson after the New Zealander had failed to impress across the first two rounds.

However, despite long having stated his desire and readiness to move up to Red Bull, the Japanese has struggled badly this year, scoring only 33 points against 396 for teammate Max Verstappen, and with a best finish of sixth in Azerbaijan.