Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started 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 most impressive rookies this season.
His performances included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
