Max Verstappen set to have fourth teammate in two years after Yuki Tsunoda ruthlessly dumped
Red Bull star Max Verstappen will soon have a fourth teammate in just two seasons after the F1 giant pulled the trigger again.
Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen will have his fourth teammate in two years after it was announced that Isack Hadjar will replace Yuki Tsunoda next year.
On the eve of the final race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, it was revealed that Tsunoda – who was the former teammate of Aussie Daniel Ricciardo – would be demoted a reserve driving role with the team in 2026.
Ricciardo, who was brought into Red Bull with the view of him being Verstappen’s teammate, was dropped by Racing Bulls in late 2024 after a poor season, with Liam Lawson coming in.
Lawson was then promoted alongside Verstappen for just two races in 2025 before being replaced by Tsunoda.
However, another shake-up has been confirmed, with Tsunoda dropped from the grid altogether for Hadjar.
His ousting means Lawson will retain his seat at Racing Bulls for 2026, with Formula 2 race winner Arvid Lindblad to join him.
The 18-year-old becomes the 20th graduate of Red Bull’s junior program to reach F1 and the only rookie on the 2026 grid.
Fast-tracked through the ranks and already a Formula 2 race winner, he will step up after just two FP1 outings with Red Bull earlier this year.
“Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One so it’s a proud moment to take this step,” he said.
“2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it.”
Meanwhile, Hadjar, 2025’s top rookie, will get the shot in the main team.
Despite steering what on average has been the sixth-quickest car, the Frenchman has been the grid’s eighth-best qualifier, with an average qualifying result of 9.32.
Those numbers are comfortably best among those in the middle of the grid, and it has been enough for Red Bull to give him a shot.
With 51 points for the season to date, the 21-year-old is currently sitting 10th in the championship.
“After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it’s such a great reward,” Hadjar said in a Red Bull statement.
“I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career and they kept believing and pushing me.
“It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies praised Hadjar and said he was eager to reunite with him in 2026.
“In his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner,” he said.
“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.”
Originally published as Max Verstappen set to have fourth teammate in two years after Yuki Tsunoda ruthlessly dumped
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