Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time to prepare 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", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a quick learner. 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 "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
