Yuki Tsunoda is leaving Red Bull F1, with Isack Hadjar taking his place.

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      “Thoughts and Prayers for Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 Career” was the title of my blog post when Red Bull Racing announced that the Japanese Formula 1 driver would take over for Liam Lawson back in March. After only two races with the Milton Keynes team, Lawson was harshly dropped in favor of Tsunoda, whose financial backing from Honda was enhanced to promote him from Racing Bulls to RBR. Now, nine months and 20 unsatisfactory race weekends later, Tsunoda is being demoted to reserve driver to make space for the most exciting rookie in F1: Isack Hadjar.

      Both teams under the energy drink umbrella confirmed their drivers' transitions on Tuesday morning, with Red Bull releasing a graphic extolling Tsunoda's contributions and portraying his shift to reserve driver as if it were not a step down.

      “I’m incredibly thankful to Red Bull for the chance and trust to compete at the pinnacle of Formula 1,” Hadjar stated after the announcement. “After all my hard work since joining the Junior Team, this is such a tremendous reward. I’ve experienced numerous highs and lows in my career, and they continued to believe in and encourage me.”

      Clive Rose and Alex Bierens de Haan via Getty

      “This year with Racing Bulls has been truly remarkable,” Hadjar remarked. “I’ve learned a great deal and achieved my first podium. I feel I’ve improved significantly as a driver and as an individual, thanks to the team’s support and guidance. I’m ready to join Red Bull, and I’m thrilled they feel the same. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with the best and learn from Max, and I can’t wait for it.”

      The relentless turnover of drivers at Red Bull has now claimed another victim, reinforcing the points: A.) Tsunoda isn’t competent enough to thrive in such a high-pressure setting. B.) Everyone and everything at Red Bull revolves around Max Verstappen. C.) Red Bull will persist in cycling through drivers until they discover another Max.

      Moreover, the future of Hadjar's career as an F1 driver is now in serious doubt, and there are primarily two possible outcomes. Will he seize this promotion and the 2026 regulations to emerge as a competitive driver swiftly, or will the RBR executives lose patience before he can adapt to the team, the car, and the rules, ultimately facing dismissal by the time the F1 series reaches Japan?

      Despite crashing out during the formation lap of his debut Grand Prix, Hadjar has undoubtedly impressed in his rookie season, demonstrating the emotional resilience and skills required to navigate the cutthroat realm of F1. He has scored points in 10 races so far and achieved his first podium at the Dutch GP this summer. He has also finished in the top six on three occasions to date.

      Let’s just hope that Hadjar avoids the fate of many promising young drivers before him.

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