Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
Red Bull has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
The British teen took part in first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been identified as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "pure speed".
Red Bull has been working for some time to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
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 eager to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories 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 enjoys his first podium in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
These announcements mean that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
