Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, 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, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
