Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
The New British Hope
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Talking about the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out rookies this season.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen 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 deserves more time.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
