Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix 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 stand-out rookies this season.
His performances featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. 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".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.