Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
Isack Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut Formula 1 seat.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad took part in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "natural quickness".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
His performances featured an excellent top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity and proved 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 excel alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back early in the year. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected 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 confirm that there is also no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.