Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Red Bull team has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", praising his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.