Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Earns Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to work closely 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 championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion 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 included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.