Hiroki Tsunoda has become the newest driver to be let go by Red Bull after less than a year, with no race seat available for him in the 2026 Formula 1 season. On Tuesday, Red Bull announced their anticipated decision to replace Tsunoda with Izak Hajjar, who will join Max Verstappen as his teammate next year. Tsunoda will not have a spot on the grid in 2026 as Arvid Linblad has been promoted to the sister team Racing Bulls, joining Liam Lawson who remains.
This outcome comes as no surprise, considering Tsunoda struggled to perform in his second race under Red Bull after swapping seats with Lawson early in the season. However, Tsunoda will take on a reserve driver role for Red Bull in 2026 following a team restructuring. Even if he doesn’t race next year, staying involved within the F1 community is vital for Tsunoda’s chances of securing a full-time seat in 2027, a year expected to see significant shifts in driver line-ups. This backup role has previously helped drivers like Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo return to full-time racing in F1.
Potential teams that might offer Tsunoda a future seat include Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, and Cadillac. Aston Martin, with its new Honda partnership starting in 2026, could be a natural fit for Tsunoda, especially as Fernando Alonso’s contract ends next year, and the two-time world champion is contemplating retirement. Alpine might have an opening since Franco Colapinto’s arrival is scheduled for 2026, and Tsunoda’s previous teammate, Pierre Gasly, is secured with the team until at least 2028. Haas, meanwhile, could offer a spot if Oliver Bearman moves to Ferrari, thanks to Tsunoda’s high regard from the team principal and Haas’ technical alliance with Toyota, although this might require Tsunoda to leave Honda. Lastly, Cadillac’s entry into F1 adds two new seats in 2026, and while their 2026 lineup is confirmed, there is uncertainty about their long-term plans, potentially opening a door for Tsunoda as a younger, promising option.
Fan Take: This shakeup highlights just how fiercely competitive F1 seats have become, with even talented drivers like Tsunoda struggling to secure long-term rides. His journey will be interesting to watch, as it could influence how teams balance nurturing young talent against the pressure to deliver immediate results in the high-stakes world of F1 racing.
