Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Line-Up: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 championship.
The Austrian squad has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared 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 heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
Isack Hadjar enjoys his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back 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.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.
