Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has announced a new line-up for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut 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 VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "pure speed".
The team prepared a programme since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction 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.