Red Bull’s 2026 seat: Isack Hadjar emerges as frontrunner while Tsunoda faces scrutiny

As Red Bull Racing weighs its options for Max Verstappen’s 2026 team-mate, momentum is building around junior talent Isack Hadjar. With Yuki Tsunoda under pressure amid an inconsistent run of results, the 19-year-old Racing Bulls rookie is increasingly viewed as a credible promotion candidate for the senior team.

Recent paddock chatter has positioned Hadjar at the front of the queue should Red Bull opt to make an internal step-up, a route the organisation has historically favoured when the timing and performance align. His strong adaptation to Formula 1, coupled with Red Bull’s emphasis on youth development, has sharpened focus on his trajectory.

Hadjar plays down signing talk — but hints he knows his path

Despite speculation that a deal with Red Bull for 2026 is already signed, Hadjar has dismissed suggestions that anything is finalized. He has, however, indicated he has “an idea” of where he will be racing, underscoring that clarity behind the scenes does not always translate into immediate public confirmation.

That measured stance fits the Red Bull way: assess quietly, act decisively. With driver choices often contingent on a blend of form, fit and the wider driver market, the timing of any announcement will likely track with the team’s broader 2026 plans.

Tsunoda’s stakes rise as decision window nears

Tsunoda’s case isn’t closed, but the benchmark is clear: consistent points and standout weekends are needed to tilt the debate. With a decision looming, every result carries weight — for him, for Hadjar, and for Red Bull’s long-term lineup stability alongside Verstappen.

However the team plays it, the 2026 seat next to a three-time World Champion is one of the most coveted in the paddock — and one that will shape Red Bull’s competitive window into the new regulations.