--- title: "Yuki Tsunoda Out at Red Bull F1, Isack Hadjar In" date: "2025-12-02" modified: "2025-12-02" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/yuki-tsunoda-out-at-red-bull-f1-isack-hadjar-in" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Yuki Tsunoda Out at Red Bull F1, Isack Hadjar In ![SPA, BELGIUM - JULY 27: Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls and Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing on the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)]() *\RUDY CAREZZEVOLI via Getty\* "Thoughts and Prayers for Yuki Tsunoda's F1 Career" was the title of [my blog]() when Red Bull Racing announced the Japanese [Formula 1]() driver would replace Liam Lawson back in March. After just two races with the Milton Keynes squad, Lawson was mercilessly dropped in favor of Tsunoda, whose financial support from Honda was increased to upgrade him from Racing Bulls to RBR. Nine months and 20 disappointing race weekends later, Tsunoda is being downgraded to reserve driver to make room for the hottest rookie in F1: Isack Hadjar. Both teams from the energy drink empire [confirmed their drivers' moves]() Tuesday morning, with Red Bull releasing a graphic praising Tsunoda for his efforts and playing up his move to reserve driver as if it weren't a demotion. "I’m so grateful to Red Bull for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula 1," said Hadjar after the announcement. "After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me. ![ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 31: Third placed Isack Hadjar of France and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls celebrates on the podium with his trophy during the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 31, 2025 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)]() ![SPA, BELGIUM - JULY 27: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 and Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)]() "This year with Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing," Hadjar said. "I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the team‘s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Red Bull and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.“ The ruthless revolving door of drivers at Red Bull has now claimed its latest victim, once again proving that: A.) Tsunoda isn't a good-enough driver to succeed in that high-pressure environment. B.) Everything and everyone at Red Bull caters to Max Verstappen only. C.) Red Bull will continue to churn and burn through bodies until they find the next Max. Likewise, the longevity of Hadjar's career as an F1 driver is now deeply in question, and there are really only two outcomes. Will he capitalize on the promotion and the 2026 rules to become a competitive racer in a short amount of time, or will the RBR bosses run out of patience before he can adjust to the team, the car, the rules, and face the guillotine by the time the F1 circus lands in Japan? Despite crashing out on the formation lap of his maiden Grand Prix, Hadjar has certainly wowed in his rookie year, proving that he has the emotional strength and skills necessary to survive in the dog-eat-dog world of F1. He's scored points in 10 races so far and secured his first-ever podium at the Dutch GP this summer. He's also finished in the top six three times so far. Let's just hope that Hadjar doesn't go the way of so many promising young drivers before him. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()