Red Bull Confirms 2026 Lineup With Hadjar Beside Verstappen as Tsunoda Becomes Reserve

Overview

• Tsunoda says he was informed after the Qatar Grand Prix and was surprised because he had just heard a rumour he might keep a full-time seat.
• Team principal Laurent Mekies described the call as a very difficult decision and confirmed Tsunoda will serve as Red Bull’s reserve and test driver in 2026.
• Tsunoda maintains he was not influenced by mental or external pressure during 2025 and calls the season an important period of personal growth.
• He has suggested his 2026 duties could extend beyond standard simulator and backup work, noting he has heard a few possible scenarios.
• Racing Bulls locked in Liam Lawson with rookie Arvid Lindblad for 2026, as analysts cite Tsunoda’s P17 finish and point to a regulatory reset that Guenther Steiner says gives Hadjar a clean start alongside Verstappen.