Yuki Tsunoda’s journey with Red Bull has reached a pivotal crossroads as the F1 2026 driver lineup has been officially unveiled, revealing that Tsunoda will not retain his race seat. In a bold move, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged Tsunoda’s contributions while announcing that Isack Hadjar will take the wheel next season. Tsunoda, who will transition into a test and reserve role, is set to continue his association with the team, albeit from a different vantage point.
This announcement comes as a shock to many who have followed Tsunoda’s career since his rise through the ranks. Mekies, who has closely observed Tsunoda’s evolution over the past two years, offered heartfelt praise for the Japanese driver. “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams,” Mekies stated, emphasizing Tsunoda’s growth and resilience in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
Despite the ups and downs Tsunoda faced trying to keep pace with teammate Max Verstappen, Mekies noted, “Through his five seasons so far in Formula 1, 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.” Mekies further highlighted Tsunoda’s infectious personality, remarking that “everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki,” solidifying his status as a beloved figure within the team.
As Red Bull gears up for a transformative season, Mekies expressed confidence in Hadjar, who will partner with Verstappen in the senior team. Hadjar’s rapid ascent, which culminated in a podium finish at Zandvoort this summer, has positioned him as a formidable contender. Mekies is optimistic about Hadjar’s potential, stating, “We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track!” This is particularly significant as Red Bull prepares to operate as its own factory team for the first time, embarking on a new chapter in its storied history.
Tsunoda’s final race with Red Bull will take place in Abu Dhabi, marking an end to his current role but not his connection to the team. His new position is expected to play a crucial part in the development of the team’s future endeavors. As the dust settles on this seismic shift in the driver lineup, one thing remains clear: Tsunoda’s legacy at Red Bull will be cherished, even as the team looks forward to the promise of a new era with Hadjar and Verstappen leading the charge.
