Red Bull Announces Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Secures F1 Drive.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed significant changes for the 2026 Grand Prix year, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad participated in first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
The youngster was tagged as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "pure speed".
The team has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the most impressive newcomers of the year.
He featured an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies in tenth place in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "ready".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
