Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
