Red Bull Confirms Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Elevated, 18-Year-Old Arvid Lindblad Gets Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.
The Austrian squad has announced significant changes for the 2026 F1 campaign, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid following a five-year stint.
A Star in the Making
The British teen took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been identified as a potential future star by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Talking about the company's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", highlighting his "pure speed".
Red Bull has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he spun out during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
His performances featured an outstanding top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "prepared".
Tsunoda's Exit
To partner Lindblad at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen 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 the junior outfit with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a P6, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
