Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This driver musical chairs sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", commenting: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion 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 rookies of the year.
His performances featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and proved to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
