Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note 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 rookies this season.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
