Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has revealed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated 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."
The promoted driver called 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.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
