Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait 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.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
