Max Verstappen 'to get new team-mate' as Red Bull make two big decisions

Max Verstappen will reportedly have a new team-mate in 2026 with Yuki Tsunoda set to be relieved of his duties. The latter was drafted in to replace Liam Lawson after just two races of the current campaign. Like many others before him, Tsunoda has struggled to get to grips with the machinery beneath him and has failed to trouble Verstappen in terms of outright pace.

The other seat at Red Bull alongside Verstappen has been something of a poisoned chalice in recent years. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez all failed to impress as the Dutchman's partner in crime before Lawson was ousted earlier this year. Tsunoda has not fared much better and it seems his time at Red Bull is about to come to an end.

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

It took a while for Hadjar to get going but he has emerged as one of this year's finest rookie drivers. He achieved his first podium at the Dutch Grand Prix and had not been knocked out of qualifying in the first session until the most recent race in Italy.

His impressive displays have reportedly convinced Red Bull chief Helmut Marko to make a change alongside Verstappen for 2026. It comes after Lawson insisted that Hadjar was 'ready' to make the step up in spite of his inexperience.

"It depends on what position the car is in next year, how it is to drive," said Lawson 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 adds that Arvid Lindblad, who is currently seventh in the F2 standings, is the most likely candidate to replace Hadjar at Racing Bulls.

Lindblad is widely tipped as a future F1 star and has enjoyed a decent debut campaign in the feeder series. He has won a sprint race and a feature race so far this season and will hope to carry his form over to Racing Bulls next year.

The youngster, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, drove for Red Bull in free practice at this year's British Grand Prix and earned high praise 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."

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