Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
The Austrian squad has confirmed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
The British teen took part in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
