Red Bull decide on new Max Verstappen team-mate for F1 2026

Red Bull is on the verge of announcing its 2026 F1 driver line-up after a final decision was made by team management.

RacingNews365 understands that Isack Hadjar will be promoted to the squad next year in place of Yuki Tsunoda following his strong rookie season.

Consequently, Tsunoda will drop off the F1 grid as he will not be issued a drive at the Racing Bulls team.

Tsunoda joined Red Bull earlier this year, taking over from a struggling Liam Lawson. However, Tsunoda has endured issues of his own and has not been a regular contender for point-scoring finishes.

It has left Red Bull fighting one-handed at the front of the grid, with Verstappen seeking to end the year as a five-time champion.

Next year, Verstappen will have his fourth team-mate in three years as Hadjar steps up to the team in place of Tsunoda, a move which is set to be officially confirmed by Red Bull on Tuesday.

The Frenchman joined F1 this year after ending the 2024 F2 season second in the drivers' championship.

After a difficult start in Australia where he crashed on the formation lap, Hadjar has since gone on to enjoy an eye-opening campaign.

His strong run of results peaked with an unexpected podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, classifying in third place.

The 21-year-old will move up to Red Bull next year when fresh technical regulations will come into play as changes are made to the power unit and chassis rules.