Upon official confirmation from Red Bull Racing on Tuesday, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) driver Isack Hadjar is set to join four-time Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen at the wheel of the RB22 challenger from next season.
Alan Permane, Racing Bulls Team Principal, commented: “Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing, and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career; we are proud to have been part of the journey.”
Throughout his rookie Formula 1 season, the 21-year-old Frenchman has impressed with his performances at the pinnacle of motorsport, racing for Red Bull sister brand VCARB alongside Liam Lawson.
With just one round to go in 2025, Hadjar has scored 51 points, claiming his first career podium finish in the series at the Dutch Grand Prix.
“I’m so grateful to Oracle RedBull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One,” Hadjar outlined.
“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.”
Speaking on his debut journey, 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.
“It’s an awesome move to work with the best, and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
Together, Hadjar and Lawson secured 92 points for the Faeza outfit, sitting 6th overall in the Constructors’ Championship as of today.
Furthermore, VCARB retained Lawson for the upcoming season, while Arvid Lindblad graduated from feeder series Formula 2 to partner the New Zealand driver.
“Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year; he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest, and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport,” remarked Permane.
Following a maiden F2 season, highlighted by four podiums, two victories, and a pole position, Lindblad, 18, will step up to Formula One with two Free Practice 1 sessions for Red Bull under his name.
The British driver left a good impression behind the RB21 wheel during his home race weekend at Silverstone and backed it up with a second outing in Mexico.
“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,” asserted the young Briton.
“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. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year!”
Indeed, in 2026, new technical regulations will come into effect, as the sport moves to sustainably fuelled hybrid engines, major aerodynamics changes, and the introduction of wide-ranging new chassis.
Also, the Milton Keynes-based team, in partnership with Ford, will build their own engine, bringing to an end a successful era powered by Honda, which will work with Aston Martin as the engine supplier from next year.
Yuki Tsunoda may have lost his seat to Hadjar, but he will continue to work with Red Bull as a reserve and test driver.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Red Bull Racing, shared: “Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday.
“On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far, and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forward.”
This weekend, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will bring an enthralling F1 2025 season to a close, with the Drivers’ championship on the line.
McLaren’s Lando Norris arrives as the championship leader, just 12 points clear of Verstappen, chasing his fifth crown, and 16 points ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.