Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Teenager Arvid Lindblad Secures Formula 1 Seat.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career at the season opener and is 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
The Red Bull team has confirmed a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.
Lindblad, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, is set to become team-mate to New Zealander Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat after five seasons.
Who is Arvid Lindblad?
The British teen participated in FP1 for the British and Mexico City Grands Prix this year.
The youngster was tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", commending his "raw pace".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
Lindblad stated 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 work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories 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
Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
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 stand-out newcomers of the year.
He included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Hadjar has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".
Lawson Retains His Seat
For the seat at the junior team, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back early in the year. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves another season.
The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 for 2026.
