Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared 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 heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
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 been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
