Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, 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 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of 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 crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
