Red Bull Rookie Isack Hadjar to replace Tsunoda next season

The Formula 1 driver market rarely stays quiet for long, and all eyes are now on Red Bull’s future.

Speculation is mounting that French rookie Isack Hadjar could step up to replace Yuki Tsunoda in the senior Red Bull team as early as next season, setting up one of the sport’s boldest moves in recent years. 

Hadjar, part of Red Bull’s junior programme, joined Racing Bulls in 2025 and has wasted little time in making his mark.

His standout moment came at Zandvoort, where he stormed to a podium finish, becoming the youngest Frenchman to do so in Formula 1.

His raw pace, confidence, and ability to deliver under pressure have earned praise from Red Bull management, who increasingly view him as more than just a developing rookie.

Tsunoda, meanwhile, was handed the coveted Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen after Liam Lawson’s departure.

While the Japanese driver has shown flashes of brilliance, his time in the top team has been marked by inconsistency.

Qualifying struggles and uneven race performances have raised questions over whether he can consistently handle the demands of racing next to a three-time world champion.

For Hadjar, the timing could not be better. Red Bull has a long history of promoting young talent when they sense readiness, and Hadjar’s rookie campaign has showcased maturity beyond expectation.

With Verstappen firmly established as the team’s benchmark, Red Bull needs a second driver who can regularly deliver strong points and push the car closer to its full potential.

Hadjar’s trajectory suggests he may be the one to meet that demand.That said, replacing Tsunoda is not yet a foregone conclusion.

Red Bull has publicly stated it is “not in a rush” to confirm its 2026 driver lineup, with team principal Laurent Mekies insisting that Tsunoda will be supported and given time to improve.

Experience also plays in Tsunoda’s favour—he has several seasons under his belt, something Hadjar lacks.

Promoting a rookie too soon carries risks, particularly within a team as demanding as Red Bull, where expectations are uncompromising.

Still, the pressure is mounting. Each race weekend is now a test for Tsunoda, as Hadjar’s performances with Racing Bulls keep building momentum.

If the Frenchman continues to deliver podiums and consistent points, Red Bull may have little choice but to promote him.For now, the future remains open-ended.

What is clear is that Red Bull has another potential star in its ranks, and Formula 1 fans could be on the cusp of witnessing a bold new chapter: Isack Hadjar lining up alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.