Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, 18-Year-Old Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.

The promoted rookies

Isack Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia and is 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the Formula 2 championship.

The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Grand Prix year, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.

The young driver, who comes from a mixed Swedish-Indian background, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

This reshuffling sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat post a half-decade in F1.

A Star in the Making

Arvid Lindblad during practice

Arvid Lindblad drove first practice for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.

The youngster was marked out as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.

Discussing the team's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "raw pace".

The team has had a plan for some time to ready Lindblad for his potential F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

The rookie said it was a "dream come true", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

He has won two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the championship ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.

A Major Opportunity for Hadjar

Isack Hadjar celebrating his podium

Isack Hadjar enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, secured at the Dutch Grand Prix 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. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the stand-out rookies this season.

His performances included an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the drivers' standings.

The team principal commented: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Crucially, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can excel next to 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 opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander began the season with the senior squad but was demoted after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, convincing 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 accumulated a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 for 2026.

John Kim
John Kim

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