Overview
- Red Bull promoted Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen in 2026, moved Yuki Tsunoda to a test and reserve role, and confirmed Arvid Lindblad will debut at Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.
- Hadjar’s elevation follows an impressive rookie campaign at Racing Bulls that featured consistent points and a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.
- Lando Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points with Oscar Piastri a further four back, leaving a three-way title fight to be settled in Abu Dhabi.
- McLaren acknowledged it made a strategic mistake by not pitting under the lap‑7 safety car in Qatar, a decision that undermined Oscar Piastri’s dominant weekend and tightened the championship.
- Red Bull said it regrets comments that suggested Kimi Antonelli let Norris pass in Qatar, clarifying replays showed the Mercedes rookie momentarily lost control.