Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
