Red Bull Reveals Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets Formula 1 Seat.
Isack Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) is sixth in the F2 standings.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs means Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix in the current season.
Lindblad has been marked out as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
The team has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm ready 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 P6 in the championship heading into the final round 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 spun out on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive newcomers this season.
His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".
The Lawson Decision
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.
