Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
These changes means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "pure speed".
The team has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season began in difficult fashion when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
His performances included an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed 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 "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.