Red Bull is expected to reveal its driver line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season today, with Yuki Tsunoda reportedly set to lose his seat.
The Japanese driver’s exit would end his five-year stint in the sport, making way for a new generation of Red Bull-backed talent.
Key Changes Expected
- Max Verstappen’s new teammate is widely expected to be Isack Hadjar, the 21-year-old Racing Bulls driver.
- Liam Lawson is anticipated to retain his seat in sister team Racing Bulls.
- Arvid Lindblad, an 18-year-old British-Swedish F2 driver, is tipped to move up and partner Lawson next season.
Isack Hadjar: Ready for the Step Up
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has backed Hadjar for promotion, praising his consistency and mental strength:
- “He doesn’t make any mistakes and that’s really surprising for a new driver,” Marko said in September.
- “He improves on every track and is fully involved after a few laps… He certainly has the mental strength to hold his own against Verstappen.”
Hadjar has enjoyed a strong rookie F1 season, currently sitting 10th in the drivers’ championship, and is set to take on one of the most challenging seats on the grid.
Arvid Lindblad: Rising Star
Lindblad has impressed throughout his debut F2 season:
- Winner of the F2 feature race at the Spanish Grand Prix.
- Currently 6th in the F2 standings ahead of Abu Dhabi.
- Completed his first F1 test at Imola in February.
- Participated in his first F1 session in October during Mexican GP practice, posting the sixth-fastest lap of the session.
Marko has also praised Lindblad’s performance:
- “He was even faster than Yuki with the same programme. Definitely a man for the future,” he said after the Mexico practice session.
- “He was calm, and the technical feedback had profound influence… a very exact definition.”
Lindblad called his first official F1 session “amazing,” adding:
“I felt comfortable in the car… with limited prep, I’m happy with the job today.”
Context and Recent Developments
- Red Bull recently issued a statement expressing regret over comments following the Qatar Grand Prix, which led to Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli receiving online abuse.
- The promotion of Hadjar and Lindblad represents a continued focus on young talent within the Red Bull system.
Bottom Line
Yuki Tsunoda’s departure and the promotion of Hadjar and Lindblad signal a major shake-up for Red Bull’s 2026 F1 line-up. The upcoming Abu Dhabi finale may be the final chapter of Tsunoda’s F1 career, while new teammates prepare for one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.
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