Red Bull Confirms Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and awarding 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated 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 since he was 12 years old.
Discussing the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", highlighting his "natural quickness".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing 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 spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
