Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
