Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
