Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured 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 first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved 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 next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, 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 points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
