The Race F1 Podcast Hadjar in, Tsunoda out at Red Bull for 2026 + F1's big title decider previewed
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Dec 2, 2025 
Join Jon Noble, a seasoned F1 journalist, and Ben Anderson, an insightful analyst, as they dissect Red Bull's bold decision to promote Isack Hadjar over Yuki Tsunoda for 2026. They explore Hadjar's impressive rookie traits and whether he can handle the pressure alongside Max Verstappen. The discussion heats up with a look at the title showdown in Abu Dhabi, where Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri vie for glory amid unpredictable race dynamics. Expect mind games, team strategies, and plenty of drama on the horizon!
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Early Promotion Is High Risk, High Reward
- Promoting Hadjar early brings risks and benefits: intense learning vs. potential to be chewed up by pressure.
- The decision's success depends on Red Bull's position in the pecking order and the car's competitiveness.
Tsunoda's Early Comfort Hit A Ceiling
- Yuki Tsunoda showed early comfort but hit a ceiling when setups became trickier and Verstappen pushed harder.
- That pattern left him unable to close the gap as sessions evolved and performance demands rose.
Small Gaps Became Unacceptable This Season
- A nominal two-to-three tenths gap to the lead is often acceptable, but in 2025 that margin proved insufficient for Red Bull.
- Red Bull needs a second driver who can close that gap further to impact constructors and hold off rivals.