Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over 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 Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.