Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
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. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
