Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
These changes sees Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive after five seasons.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "pure speed".
The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work closely 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 championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
He featured an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
These announcements confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
