Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Earns Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 championship.
The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first F1 drive.
Lindblad, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the junior outfit Racing Bulls.
This driver musical chairs results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen took part in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was identified as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Regarding the company's junior academy, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and step up. I can't wait to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 this year and is sixth in the standings ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Frenchman's Chance
Isack Hadjar celebrates 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 crashed on the formation lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies this season.
He included an outstanding podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Crucially, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His best result is a P6, and he has accumulated a small fraction of the team's points total.
These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
