Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, Teenager Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was demoted early in the year. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
