Red Bull Reveals Substantial 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) made his debut at the season opener currently sitting tenth in the standings. Arvid Lindblad (right) is sixth in the Formula 2 standings.
Red Bull has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This reshuffling results in Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull prepared a programme for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a big challenge, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm eager to collaborate with the team and rise to it. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the championship heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race this season.
Hadjar's F1 career began in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out rookies of the year.
His performances included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an awesome move" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson over Tsunoda.
The New Zealander began the season with the main team but was moved back after just two races. He has found his form at the junior outfit with some strong performances, convincing Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, loses his place after a difficult season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's points total.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
