Red Bull Reveals Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its senior team and awarding British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
These changes results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", highlighting his "raw pace".
The team prepared a programme since last year to prepare Lindblad for his potential 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: "2026 will be a big challenge, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace 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 "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
