Red Bull Racing has confirmed its driver line-up for the 2026 season, with Isack Hadjar being promoted to join Max Verstappen next year.
In contrast to last season, when Red Bull did not confirm its 2025 line-up until after the season had concluded, the team has announced its 2026 pairing with one race still to go on the calendar.
Under contract until 2028, four-time World Champion Max Verstappen returns to the Milton Keynes team, which will be debuting a new power unit in partnership with Ford after the successful period with Honda engines concludes.
Verstappen, who is still mathematically in contention to claim a shock fifth world title at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will be cautiously hopeful that the new regulations being introduced next year will be enjoyable - otherwise, Formula 1 could see the Dutchman make an early departure.
The 28-year-old, who became a father this year, has reiterated that he has already achieved his dream of becoming World Champion and has no real desire to chase down lofty records, including the current record of seven Drivers' titles, and if the new regulations are not fun then he could simply walk away and look at other series.
Until then, Red Bull will be hoping he can keep the team in championship contention next season, where a shake-up of the grid could be expected, given the unknown of the new cars and engine requirements.
Alongside him in 2026 will be Frenchman Isack Hadjar, who has had a strong rookie campaign for sister team Racing Bulls, where he sits 10th in the standings with 51 points and a surprise podium to his name this year - a P3 at the Dutch Grand Prix after McLaren's Lando Norris retired due to a chassis issue.
Speaking of the promotion, Hadjar commented: "I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One."
"After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me. "
He added: "This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the Team‘s support and preparation."
He concluded: "I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing, and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move to work with the best, and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for."
Many had expected Hadjar to be given the promotion, with some strong performances across the season in both qualifying and races, as well as the struggles of incumbent second driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Tsunoda will remain with the Red Bull family for 2026, but in the role of test and reserve driver, meaning he would be able to step in should any of the team's drivers be unable to compete at any time.
For the sister team, who have some team facilities in Milton Keynes, New Zealander Liam Lawson, who began the 2024 season with Verstappen and Red Bull, retains his seat and will have a chance to establish himself as a leader with 18-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad earning a promotion after a solitary season in Formula 2.
The talented British driver has impressed Red Bull for a long time and was even given a Superlicence exemption this year at the age of 17, due to his impressive junior performances - this saw him make Free Practice appearances in Formula One at the British and Mexico City Grands Prix.
The hope for Lindblad is that a season in the sister team can help him develop in a similar fashion to Hadjar, potentially seeing him become the Red Bull driver of the future, especially should Verstappen opt to walk away early.
