The seat next to Max Verstappen remains one of the most scrutinized in Formula 1, and Isack Hadjar’s impressive rookie campaign has firmly put him in pole position for promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2026.

Since entering F1, Hadjar has displayed consistent speed and maturity that have earned praise from Red Bull’s senior advisor Helmut Marko, who sees him as uniquely capable of handling the intense pressure that comes with partnering a four-time world champion.

The team plans to make a final call after the Mexican Grand Prix, but barring any major upsets, Hadjar appears set to step into the coveted seat and become Verstappen’s new teammate. 

Tsunoda’s Last Chance to Impress

Yuki Tsunoda’s move to Red Bull mid-season has not yielded the expected results, and he currently sits 19th in the championship with only nine points—well behind expectations for a Red Bull driver.

The Japanese driver openly acknowledges the immediate need to deliver strong results in the remaining three race weekends to keep his seat. With stiff competition from Hadjar and the team’s emphasis on results, Tsunoda faces an uphill battle.

His comments reflect a fighter’s mindset focused on progression, but the pressure is mounting quickly as Red Bull weighs options for 2026. 

Potential Futures for Tsunoda

If Tsunoda cannot reverse his fortunes, few options remain at Red Bull-affiliated teams. Returning to the sister team, Racing Bulls, is a plausible fallback, supported in part by continued backing from Honda.

The second Alpine seat and a reserve role at Aston Martin, now a Honda engine partner, are distant but conceivable destinations. Tsunoda remains committed to staying in the Red Bull ecosystem, underscoring his desire to develop and compete at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Hadjar views 2026’s new car regulations as an ideal reset, offering a fairer platform and removing the second car stigma that has complicated his potential promotion. 

In a pivotal offseason, Red Bull’s driver lineup saga underscores the unforgiving nature of Formula 1, where talent, timing, and team dynamics converge to decide careers. Hadjar’s quiet rise and Tsunoda’s fight for survival set the stage for an intriguing chapter in Red Bull’s pursuit of continued dominance.