Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
