Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
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 driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
The Lawson Decision
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 moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
