Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener and is tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
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 sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown 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 alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
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 notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.