Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
