Max Verstappen ‘to get new team-mate’ as Red Bull set to promote two stars

Max Verstappen has had a number of team-mates during his time at Red Bull and it seems as though Yuki Tsunoda will be the latest driver to dropped and replaced next year

Max Verstappen is rumoured to have a new team-mate in 2026, with Yuki Tsunoda expected to be dropped.

Tsunoda was brought in to replace Liam Lawson after just two races of the current season. Like many before him, Tsunoda has found it challenging to master the machinery and hasn’t been able to match Verstappen’s outright speed.

The second seat at Red Bull alongside Verstappen has proven to be somewhat of a poisoned chalice in recent years. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez all failed to shine as Verstappen’s team-mate before Lawson was shown the door earlier this year. Tsunoda hasn’t fared any better and it appears his stint at Red Bull is nearing its end.

He will be succeeded by Isack Hadjar next season, according to Auto Motor und Sport, with the Frenchman having had an impressive debut season at Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls.

Hadjar took some time to find his feet but has emerged as one of this year’s standout rookie drivers. He secured his first podium at the Dutch Grand Prix and hadn’t been eliminated from qualifying in the first session until the most recent race in Italy.

His stellar performances have reportedly persuaded Red Bull boss Helmut Marko to make a change alongside Verstappen for 2026. This comes after Lawson asserted that Hadjar was ‘ready’ to step up despite his lack of experience.

“It depends on what position the car is in next year, how it is to drive,” Lawson stated earlier this month. “That’s probably the biggest thing about that seat right now. So there are a lot of variables there.

“As a driver, he’s ready. If you’re ready to be in F1 in the first place, I think you’d be ready for that kind of position.”

The report suggests that Arvid Lindblad, currently seventh in the F2 standings, is the most probable replacement for Hadjar at Racing Bulls.

Lindblad, widely tipped as a future F1 star, has had a solid debut season in the feeder series. He has clinched a sprint race and a feature race so far this season and will aim to bring his form to Racing Bulls next year.

The young driver, who recently turned 18, took part in free practice for Red Bull at this year’s British Grand Prix and received glowing reviews from Marko afterwards.

“We think the teenager did a great job,” he said. “His speed was right, his statements were profound and the technicians are very happy with his performance.

“Lindblad was back in the car the week after the British Grand Prix and completed more than 100 laps, showing excellent physical condition and competitive lap times.”