Leaked Red Bull 2026 Lineup Bombshell: Hadjar to Partner Verstappen, Lindblad Debuts at RB – Tsunoda Axed in Shocking Shake-Up!

In a bombshell leak that’s set the Formula 1 paddock ablaze, Red Bull’s secretive 2026 driver lineup has been exposed: Isack Hadjar is set to replace Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s teammate, while F2 phenom Arvid Lindblad earns a rookie debut at Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson – leaving Tsunoda out in the cold. The revelations, stemming from German outlet Auto Motor und Sport and corroborated by the conspicuous absence of Lindblad from Campos Racing’s 2026 F2 announcement, confirm months of whispers amid Red Bull’s deliberate silence. With the Austrian powerhouse locked in a constructors’ battle for second (behind McLaren) and RB scrapping for sixth, the delay was strategic: keep Tsunoda motivated for every point until Abu Dhabi. But now, with three races left and Verstappen eyeing a fifth title (19 points behind Norris), the die is cast – a youth infusion that rewards Hadjar’s rookie podiums and Lindblad’s FP1 heroics, but spells heartbreak for Tsunoda’s long Red Bull tenure. As the energy drinks empire reshuffles its junior ranks, this “done deal” raises eyebrows: is it bold succession planning, or a ruthless purge of underperformers?

The intel drops like a qualifying lap bomb. Auto Motor und Sport reports the decision was sealed post-Monza, but Red Bull – via team principal Laurent Mekies – stonewalled until now, citing “no rush” amid tight championship scraps. Verstappen’s seat? Ironclad until 2028. The second drive? Tsunoda’s nightmare: Hadjar, the 21-year-old French sensation, vaults from RB’s junior squad after a breakout rookie campaign – nine points, a Zandvoort podium (P3, first for a Red Bull rookie since Gasly in 2019), and consistent outpacing of Lawson. “Hadjar’s the next Vettel – proven, hungry,” a Red Bull insider told PlanetF1. His path mirrors predecessors: Gasly, Albon, Perez – all RB stints before Verstappen’s wing. Tsunoda? Demoted: 25 points in 21 races, 17th in standings – “reached ceiling,” per Marko. Honda’s 2026 Aston switch severs his Japanese lifeline.

RB’s duo? Fresh blood: Lindblad, 18-year-old British Red Bull junior, skips F2’s finale grind for F1 – his Mexico FP1 P6 (ahead of both RB cars) sealed it. Campos’ 2026 F2 lineup omission? Smoking gun: no seat for a top prospect unless F1-bound. “Lindblad’s the wildcard – raw speed, no fear,” Sky’s Brundle raved. Lawson? Retained for experience (six points, flashes like Austin P8), pairing with the Brit for a semi-rookie synergy. “Lawson’s steady; Lindblad’s lightning,” Mekies hinted in Mexico. Tsunoda? Out – no grid spots left, eyeing Aston reserve (Honda ties) or Alpine reunion with Gasly. “Desperation drive now,” The Race notes – unaware his fate’s sealed, he’s racing for survival.

Red Bull’s calculus? Ruthless evolution. 2026 regs (active aero, sustainable fuels) demand youth; Verstappen’s dominance (57 wins) needs a foil, not a fossil. Hadjar’s podium? Proof. Lindblad’s FP1? Potential. Tsunoda’s midfield mediocrity (100+ starts, zero wins)? Expendable. “Sentiment can’t govern,” Marko decreed. Mekies: “Tsunoda’s best weekend ever in Mexico – but steps forward from juniors too.” Delay? Tactical: extract points from Yuki (nine in Baku-Zandvoort) without demotivation. “Announce post-Abu Dhabi,” insiders say.

Paddock pandemonium. Tsunoda’s camp? Silent fury – 2021 Red Bull junior since Toro Rosso, repeatedly overlooked for Perez/Albon. “Ceiling hit,” Crash.net echoes. Hadjar? Ecstatic: “Dream – alongside Max?” Lindblad? FP1 Mexico P6: “Ready to learn – fast.” Lawson? Relief: “Stability – build on Austin.” Fans split: X polls (GPFans: 61% “Youth gamble smart”) vs. Reddit r/formula1 (52% “Tsunoda robbed”). Brundle warns: “Gamble – Hadjar needs seasoning; Lindblad’s raw.”

With 83 points left (Vegas, Qatar, Abu Dhabi), Verstappen chases Norris (McLaren lead). Red Bull second (constructors); RB sixth scrap. Leak’s timing? Perfect storm – delay buys peace, announcement post-finale. Tsunoda fights blind; juniors ascend. Red Bull’s empire? Unyielding: nurture, promote, purge. 2026? Verstappen-Hadjar; Lawson-Lindblad. The Toro Rosso era ends; Red Bull’s youth quake begins. Yuki’s desperation? Fuel for fire – or farewell.

Abu Dhabi GP: November 28-30. Live on ESPN/F1 TV. #RedBullLeak #HadjarPromotion #TsunodaOut 🏁⚡