Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged 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 "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace 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 "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
