Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has been working since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was demoted after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
