Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out 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", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
