Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.

The Red Bull team has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its senior team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his first Formula 1 seat.

The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, will be the partner of Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad Racing Bulls.

This driver musical chairs means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive following a five-year stint.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy 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 "appears very talented", highlighting his "pure speed".

The team prepared a programme for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring runs in F1 practice sessions at the British and Mexican races.

Lindblad stated it was a "huge honour", adding: "Next season represents a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm eager to work closely with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The Frenchman's Chance

The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has emerged as one of the most impressive rookies of the year.

He featured an excellent podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.

A senior team figure commented: "Isack has shown great maturity 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 succeed alongside Max."

Hadjar described it "a fantastic step" and said he felt "ready".

The Lawson Decision

To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

The New Zealander started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with notable results, convincing Red Bull he deserves more time.

The Japanese driver, meanwhile, loses his place after a difficult 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 remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Irish driver Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.