Red Bull Confirms Significant 2026 Driver Seats: Hadjar Steps Up, Youngster Arvid Lindblad Earns F1 Drive.

The Austrian squad has announced a major reshuffle for the 2026 F1 campaign, elevating French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.

Lindblad, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team Racing Bulls.

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

A Star in the Making

Lindblad has been tagged as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.

Discussing the team's junior academy, a key advisor noted last year that Lindblad "appears very talented", commending his "raw pace".

Red Bull has been working for some time to prepare Lindblad for his potential Grand Prix bow in 2026, featuring appearances in F1 practice sessions at Silverstone and Mexico City.

Lindblad stated it was a "dream come true", adding: "2026 will be a massive test, and I know there's much to understand, but I'm prepared to work closely with the team and step up. I am incredibly excited to get started."

Lindblad has taken two races in F2 this year and is sixth in the championship ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Hadjar's Big Break

Hadjar's F1 career started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. But, since then, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers this season.

His performances included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits in tenth place in the championship.

A senior team figure said: "Isack has shown 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 excel alongside Max."

The promoted driver called it "an awesome move" and said he felt "prepared".

The Lawson Decision

For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.

Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has found his form at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he merits more time.

The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.

These announcements confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.