Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
